How’s all my new mommas holding up?!

When I first realized my precious baby girl had a tiny tooth peeking through, I honestly thought, 'Is this right?!' It felt like I’d just brought her home, and here she was, already hitting a milestone I wasn't expecting for months! As a new mom, you read all the books, but some things just catch you completely off guard. My heart was in loooveeee with her from the start, but this new development brought a mix of surprise and a little bit of worry. Finding out your newborn has teeth, often called natal teeth (present at birth) or neonatal teeth (erupting within the first 30 days), can be quite a shock. It's actually rarer than you might think, affecting about 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 3,000 babies. My first instinct was to frantically Google, 'newborn with teeth,' and I found a lot of information, but also a lot of conflicting advice. I wished I had someone sharing their personal journey! So, what did I learn on this unexpected path with my little 'Baby Doll'? First, it’s crucial to understand that while early, it’s often a normal variation in development. However, these tiny teeth can sometimes come with their own set of challenges. For breastfeeding moms, there might be concerns about discomfort during feeding. For the baby, these teeth can sometimes be loose, posing a small risk of aspiration if they come out. They can also cause irritation to the baby's tongue or gums. My pediatrician reassured me that the most important step was to keep an eye on them. We discussed proper care: gentle cleaning of the teeth and gums after feedings with a soft cloth or a special infant toothbrush. Even though they're so tiny, maintaining oral hygiene from day one is important! We also talked about soothing remedies for any discomfort. Sometimes, these early teeth don't have strong roots, and a pediatric dentist might recommend removal if they are very loose or causing significant issues, but this wasn't the case for my little one. It’s a peculiar experience, having a newborn with teeth, but it’s just another unique part of her journey. Every baby is different, and this was just one of the many ways my baby girl surprised me. It taught me to trust my instincts, ask lots of questions, and cherish every single, unexpected milestone. If you're a new parent encountering this, remember you're not alone, and it's okay to feel a bit overwhelmed! Just keep loving on your little 'Baby Doll' and enjoy the ride.