In the realm of parenting, I discovered my community after navigating the early stages of motherhood. Among the diverse groups of attachment parenting enthusiasts, I found camaraderie with fellow babywearers. Our gatherings resembled those of La Leche League meetings, with a strong emphasis on breastfeeding, co-sleeping practices, and gentle discipline methods. This subgroup was characterized by a unique approach to nurturing, often seen tying infants securely to their backs while nursing one another’s children. Interestingly, despite our unconventional practices, many of us still opted for vaccinations. However, a common accessory among the children—and some mothers—was the amber necklace.
When my son, Leo, began drooling excessively at just two months old, it was quickly attributed to teething. Understanding the situation, I promptly ordered him a genuine Baltic amber necklace. While my partner was dubious, the persistent crying and facial tugging from Leo made us reluctant to rely on Tylenol for relief. Thus, despite its seemingly far-fetched nature, we decided to give the necklace a try. Remarkably, within thirty minutes of putting it on, the drooling ceased and did not return. It felt like a stroke of natural healing magic.
The theory behind Baltic amber is that as it warms against the skin, it releases succinic acid—a natural analgesic. This substance, found in concentrations of 3 to 8% within the amber, is thought to be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. In our experience, the necklace provided noticeable relief from teething pain, although we still resorted to Tylenol during particularly tough days.
If we forgot to put the necklace back on after a bath, Leo would exhibit signs of discomfort—rubbing his cheeks and drooling. The amber appeared to make a genuine difference in his teething experience.
However, dissenting voices exist regarding the efficacy and safety of amber necklaces. Critics argue that there is no substantial scientific evidence supporting the analgesic properties of succinic acid. Furthermore, while it might be released by body heat, the quantity and potential effects remain uncertain. There are concerns about succinic acid being a skin and respiratory irritant in significant amounts, with the risk of eye damage highlighted in some studies. Additionally, safety warnings caution against the choking hazards these necklaces may pose, particularly if worn unsupervised or during sleep. Reports have surfaced of tragedies associated with their use, though some parents dispute these claims.
Despite being aware of these concerns, I chose to continue using amber necklaces for my three children. They seemed to alleviate drooling and teething pain while providing comfort to both them and myself. My older children, now ages 4 and 6, still wear their amber necklaces. Beyond their practical use, these necklaces serve as a symbol of our parenting philosophy—an identifier among like-minded mothers. Yes, I may be nursing my 4-year-old (I am), but the necklaces also represent a holistic approach to wellness.
While PubMed may lack peer-reviewed studies on this subject, the anecdotal evidence from numerous parents suggests that Baltic amber can indeed provide relief for teething discomfort. As we prepare for future additions to our family, the decision to use these necklaces again is clear. I remain a firm believer in their benefits despite the skepticism.
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In summary, while the debate regarding the effectiveness and safety of amber necklaces continues, many parents—including myself—attest to their positive impact on teething symptoms. If basic safety precautions are followed, they can be a beneficial addition to a child’s comfort during this challenging developmental phase.
Keyphrase: Amber teething necklaces
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