How to Stop a Breast-Feeding Baby From Biting

One of the greatest fears that nursing mothers have is the fear of being bitten. While some breast-fed babies do occasionally bite, it is a fairly easy problem to deal with, and should not threaten the success of the breast-feeding relationship.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Teething Gel
• Teething Ring

1. Remove your baby from your breast gently, and say "Don't bite Mama!" or "Don't hurt Mommy!" Put him down gently or hand him to someone else, then wait a minute or so before you start to nurse again. This will teach your baby that when he bites, the milk goes away.

2. Repeat this procedure as often as necessary to get the message across. If necessary, calm your baby down by giving him a finger to suck on before you try relatching him.

3. Prevent biting that happens early in a feeding. Does your baby bite out of eagerness or frustration, while trying to get your milk to let down? If so, you may be able to stimulate letdown by massaging your breasts just before a feeding or laying a warm washcloth on them for a few minutes.

4. Prevent biting that happens late in a feeding. Does your baby bite near the end of a nursing session, when he gets sleepy and his latch starts to slip? If so, you may want to unlatch him slightly earlier than usual, after he has had a good meal but before he drops off altogether.

5. Work on your baby's latch. If he is very young, he may still be learning how to nurse properly. It is fairly easy to retrain a baby's latch just by positioning and repositioning him until he gets it right.

6. Check his breathing. If a baby has a cold or stuffy nose, this can affect his latch and even cause him to bite unintentionally.

7. Check for signs of teething. Many babies occasionally bite when they begin teething; if your baby's gums seem inflamed, or he has bright red cheeks, or he is drooling more than usual, he may be starting to get teeth.

8. Offer your baby something else to chew on before nursing, and in between feedings. Teething rings, frozen washcloths, and even your finger can be good substitutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a finger near your baby's mouth so that you can unlatch him quickly and safely if you feel his jaw start to clamp down on your breast.
• There are many teething remedies available, including pharmaceutical, natural and homeopathic versions. Consult a doctor, pharmacist or homeopathic practitioner for details, as well as asking other mothers what has worked best for them.
• React firmly, but calmly. If you shriek, scream or push your baby away when you are bitten, it is very possible that your baby may go on a nursing strike and refuse to nurse altogether, because he associates nursing with loud noises or discomfort. This can lead to early weaning and to emotional trauma for mother and baby.
• If you are trying to retrain your baby's latch, work on it when he is not frantic with hunger. Offer him the breast when he seems calm and alert, a little while before you expect him to be really hungry.
• Try not to use teething remedies that numb your baby's mouth right before a feeding ' they can interfere with his ability to latch on.

[anixon84]

on 1/1/2009 My little one bites so hard I am starting to bleed from it, but it's very important for me to continue to breast feed him! Thanks for the insightful tips!

[longhairqueen]

on 10/30/2008 I hadn't thought about associating the biting while nursing relating to teething. You have good ideas in there.