“Help! Ever since my daughter got her first couple of teeth, she bites during breastfeeding. It feels like a game to her, but it’s become so painful that I’m actually bleeding. What should I do?” ~ Sarah T.
It sounds like you’ve got a little munching machine on your hands, and unfortunately, that machine is targeting your sore breasts! Rest assured that your little one isn’t trying to hurt you. At this young age, they lack the understanding of empathy and are simply exploring their world. Those first bites might have been accidental as she sought relief from teething discomfort, but now it seems she’s enjoying the reaction she gets from you when she bites.
Understanding the Behavior
Breastfeeding involves sucking, which makes it difficult for a baby to bite and suckle at the same time. Once your baby realizes that biting doesn’t lead to milk (or comfort), she’ll likely choose to suckle instead. To protect your tender nipples in the meantime, it’s important to address the biting right away. Ensure that she opens wide and latches properly at the start of each feed; this way, her tongue will shield your breast from her teeth.
What to Do When Biting Occurs
If she does bite down, gently remove her from the breast using your pinkie to break the latch, and calmly say, “No biting. Biting hurts Mommy.” Avoid giving her a big reaction, as that may encourage her to bite again for attention. Instead, offer her a teething toy or another acceptable item to chew on, so she learns what’s appropriate.
Additional Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, while biting during breastfeeding can be painful, it’s a behavior that can be managed with gentle correction and redirection. By ensuring proper latching and calmly addressing biting, you can help your baby learn appropriate nursing habits.