My 10 month old baby has started biting my nipples while breastfeeding. He does it really hard and I have tried saying no in a stern voice, stopping feeding straight away and putting him on the floor, applying teething gel before feeding, tapping him and I even tried biting him back after someone said it worked for them! I know he is just teething but I've had to start to resort to bottle feeding, and to my heartbreak he is taking to it really well. I struggle with expressing so it's just been formula. I want to continue breastfeeding but his biting is hurting me too much. I'm also worried about how to keep my supply up. Help please!
9 Replies
Oh my goodness do NOT bite him back. Join the Australian Breastfeeding Association Forum and chat to other breastfeeding mums who will no doubt offer you the latest advice and also support you through this time.
https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/
My baby did this too. Its horrible!! I just used to take him off the boob and say "ow, you hurt mummy!" frown and then change sides on him. He got the point after a few days of it. He's now 16 months and still going strong :) still breast feeding but weaning is going to start soon! :)
Madeline said:
To the IM,
Don't fret from those negative comments referring to you biting your child, I believe you felt you had run out of options as nothing helped :) I too run out of options when my son was 9 months + biting everyone he could reach, biting animals and nearly breaking his teeth on a pole biting that too. By 13 months I got advice from our family doctor and the nurse at the hospital on different occasions to try gently biting him back as a shock factor, believe it or not it worked. Looks like we're both horrible parents :) though unlike those small minded people, we'll get over it, as we're not perfect.
A few suggestions to stop the biting while nursing;
- You could try giving him a cold teething ring to chew on before or after you feed him - Just be careful, as some can numb your nipple and his mouth, or give either of you an allergic reaction :)
- Stop immediately when he bites and take him off the breast, say "NO!" or "OUCH" very firmly, looking him in the eyes, and end the nursing. Wait a few mins before nursing again. This may make your little one very cranky, but eventually he will understand that biting means no food.
- Also, saying "NO" or "OUCH" and taking him off, will work in time but the big key is to really pay attention. He can't bit while actively nursing. Pay attention to him nursing, you will notice a change in his behaviour, face expression or action he will do when he's about to bite.
- Other reasons that could be in relation to biting; Falling asleep, they tend to bite at the end of a feed when they fall asleep. Or he maybe distracted, he may turn his head and take your nipple with him - Just keep your fingers ready at all times to break suction quickly.
- Also, make sure he doesn't have thrush. Thrush can make him bite down while nursing because his mouth itches and he's trying to relieve the irritation. Have either of you been on antibiotics lately? Have you ever had thrush on your nipples, or has he ever had it in his mouth? Either way, best to rule that out and see your GP.
Best of luck :) See your GP if all fails and you want to continue nursing your child.
I forgot to mention in regards to increasing your milk supply you may need to determine what or how its being caused. It could be a number of reasons like stress, exhaustion etc or;
It could be related to using formula supplements or pacifiers. These aren't known reasons as to why these two things can decrease the supply, but from my experience it had done exactly that, but for others it made no difference. Another theory could be because your son has bitten your nipple and over time (each bite) has caused your nipples to be sore or painful to which can cause an unpleasant feeding & your body may be reacting to the pain.
You can also buy these nipple shields and they could somewhat protect your nipple from being bitten, can buy them from the chemist for a couple of dollars :)
- Keeping hydrated; drink about 6-8 glasses of water a day, you don't need to force fluid just enough to keep your urine clear, and you aren't constipated, then your probable getting enough.
- Make sure you're eating enough nourishing foods throughout the day. Your diet doesn't need to be perfect, but you just need to eat enough to avoid feeling tired all the time. On a rough scale you need a minimum of 1800 calories each day while you are lactating.
- I snacked allot during breastfeeding, I would have 3 main meals and the rest was snacking on things like; cut up fruit, yogurt, cheese, crackers, fruit salads with yogurt, chocolate (haha), unsalted nuts with dried fruit etc.
It's best to speak to your GP about ways to increase your milk supply, either a more natural way by eating foods that associate with increasing milk supply or other alternatives :) Best of luck Mumma
Kayla said:
I loudly exclaim 'Ouch, that hurts!' when my son bites. It seems to work for us. I don't think he realizes that it hurts me so I just remind him whenever he does it. Put on a big sad face and tell your little one how much it hurts.
'No' didn't work for me- it just made him more upset because he didn't realize he was doing something wrong - but showing him it hurt did and now he rarely bites me at all. He was 8 months when he started biting and we're now at 12 months and going strong still!
Also, putting on a teething gel before he feeds can make it worse. It can numb both his mouth and your nipple, making it difficult to get milk. Which gives you a frustrated baby who's more likely to bite.
Good luck, IM.
Zoe said:
My lo did this when teething. Always at the beginning or end of a feed because if they are latched correctly they can't bite their tongue is in the way. I would slip my finger and break the latch, explain that biting hurts mummy. Give her a minute or two and let her continue her feed. I would give her some teething stuff if she looked like she needed it, She grew out of it quickly but did it a couple of times after that when teething. You can try pinky McKay or milk meg for advice on biting and breast feeding they are both lactation consultants or call the Australian breast feeding association for free advice they are great
:) good luck
Kelly said: (not me! :-) Ha ha!)
Try and watch when the biting is happening. My kids only ever bit when they were finished actually feeding and we're just playing. As soon as he looks like he is finished. Take him off and pack them away!!!
Emily said:
Hi mummy!
Just letting you know I had to bottle feed for numerous reasons and once you realise its ok you will feel better. Your poor boobs! Maybe you could even pump and put it in the bottle?
If you are set on breastfeeding I hope other mums have advice for you. I am not judging your decision but just letting you know it's ok :)
Theresa said:
I know your pain! My boy is 13 months and still bites me. It bloody hurts! He mostly does it when teething as well. I take him off the breast immediately and say no firmly then make him wait a couple of minutes before continuing the feed. Good luck :)