Teething is no fun for anyone, whether it's the baby in pain or the parents trying as hard as they can to soothe their little one.
It can be especially difficult when your efforts to comfort your child feel like they're in vain. New mum Serena Williams felt this frustration the other day, and she asked Twitter for help.
The tennis star and her techie husband Alexis Ohanian Sr. welcomed Alexis Jr. in September this year, and the little girl has begun to teethe.
"Teething- aka the devil - is so hard. Poor Alexis Olympia has been so uncomfortable. She cried so much (she never cries) I had to hold her until she fell asleep," Serena shared with her 10.2M Twitter followers.
She continued, "I've tried amber beads... cold towels.... chew on mommies fingers.... homeopathic water (lol on that one) but......"
Teething- aka the devil - is so hard. Poor Alexis Olympia has been so uncomfortable. She cried so much (she never cries) I had to hold her until she fell asleep. I've tried amber beads... cold towels.... chew on mommies fingers.... homeopathic water (lol on that one) but...... pic.twitter.com/hCRMJ0RhUQ
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) 17 December 2017
The poor little thing! Also, we are still reeling from the revelation that Alexis Olympia never cried much before now.
The 36-year-old athlete felt her daughter's pain, and her response to the distressing situation was oh-so-relatable.
Nothing is working. It's breaking my heart. I almost need my mom to come and hold me to sleep cause I'm so stressed. Help? Anyone??
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) 17 December 2017
We know that feeling! Even if we're mums, having our own mothers around to help always makes us feel better.
Some parents came forward with their own advice.
I have a tip - use an ice lolly/popsicle mould and freeze expressed breast milk. Still has all the natural pain relief from your milk, but should help soothe. Hope this helps!
— Kimberley Miller (@_kimberleyem) 17 December 2017
Call your mother! You're overwhelmed. Ask for help and take a break. It's hard to step away for a moment, but that helps you be a better mom. Praying for you!
— Elizabeth Rago (@bethrago) 17 December 2017
I thought this was nuts when I heard about it but it helped my baby. Chewing on a frozen bagel.
— Debi Says... (@Rozesrblu) 18 December 2017
Interesting suggestions! And calling mum is always exactly what the doctor ordered.
Other good ideas to relieve teething pain include massaging their gums, cold foods, infant medicine, or a baby mesh feeder.
We hope little Alexis is in less pain! And that Serena is feeling much calmer.
What are your teething hacks, mums?
