“Help! Ever since my daughter got her first two teeth, she bites during breastfeeding. She thinks it’s a game, but it’s gotten to the point where I’m bleeding and it’s really painful. What do I do?” ~ Sarah T.
It sounds like you have a little muncher on your hands! Rest assured, your baby doesn’t mean to cause you pain. At this stage in their development, they don’t fully grasp the concept of empathy and likely don’t understand that biting hurts you. Initially, those first bites may have been accidental—perhaps a way to relieve teething discomfort or simply an exploration of their new teeth. However, it seems they’ve discovered that your reaction is quite entertaining!
The good news is that babies can’t suckle and bite at the same time. Once they realize that biting doesn’t yield milk or comfort, they may prefer to suckle instead. To protect your sore nipples in the meantime, it’s important to address the biting behavior. Before each feeding, ensure that your baby opens wide and latches on properly; this will position their tongue between their teeth and your breast, minimizing the risk of bites. If they do bite down, gently remove them by breaking their latch with your pinkie to avoid further damage, and calmly say, “No biting. Biting hurts Mommy.” Avoid reacting dramatically, as your baby may be seeking attention through their antics.
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In summary, if your baby is biting while breastfeeding, it’s likely a phase of exploration rather than malice. By ensuring a proper latch and calmly addressing biting behavior, you can help your little one understand what’s acceptable during feeding times.