You may find that your baby bites while nursing. If you are wondering how and why your baby won’t stop biting while nursing, this post is for you. Breast biting by the infant while nursing is unpleasant, and many mothers may misunderstand it as a sign that their baby is ready to wean. However, you should continue to breastfeed your baby exclusively until he or she is six months old. You can try various methods to keep your infant from biting your breasts. However, if they bite frequently, you should seek medical advice or call a lactation specialist. Read on to know more.
Why Does A Baby Bite While Nursing?
There are various reasons for baby biting while nursing. Sometimes, improper latching and position can make the baby’s teeth press against the breast,and you might feel as if the baby is biting. Here are a few reasons why the baby might bite while breastfeeding (1): If you suspect the reason behind the biting to be cold or infection, then see a pediatrician. It is also good to see a doctor or lactation consultant if the reasons seem to be inadequate milk production, strong letdown, and poor latch.
How To Stop A Baby From Biting While Nursing?
There are variousways to prevent ababy from biting nipples . You may try any of the following tips to stop your baby from biting, depending on the cause (2) (3) (4) (5). Baby biting can be controlled and prevented with simple measures. Switching to expressed milk is not an ideal way to cope with nipple biting. You may seek advice from a board-certified lactation consultant for personalized strategies to handle baby biting during breastfeeding. Unexpected baby bites can be temporary. Keep the baby as close to the breast as possible so that they can open their mouths wide. Also, take a biting baby off the breast gently. If you suddenly push the biting baby away, then they may bite even harder.
Teething: Is It The Time To Wean?
Teething is not a sign to start weaning your baby. The World Health Organization recommends six months of exclusive breastfeeding with no other foods or liquids (including water) (6). The baby can be given solid foods after the age of six months, along with breastfeeding, which can continue up to two years or beyond for optimal growth (7). Usually, babies begin teething around six months of age (8). Some babies may be born with one or more teeth, known as natal teeth. In some babies, teething can happen even at 12 months. Since teething can happen earlier or later, it is not an indication for weaning your baby.
Nipple Damage Due To Baby Biting
Although it is rare to have severe damage from baby bites, the unexpected bite in the nipple area can be painful. Sometimes, a baby could bite harder when pushed off the breast while biting. In such cases, there is a chance of skin damage to the nipple. Bite breaks on your nipples can lead to infections if you are not taking care of them. You might try the following tips if your baby bit your nipple while nursing.
Clean the skin with saline water to reduce pain Apply ice or cold packs for pain Use nipple creams Nurse with undamaged (opposite) breast Express milk until the wound heals Image: iStock
If the pain continues, then take over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol after discussing it with your doctor. Always ensure that you are taking medications that are safe during lactation. A board-certified lactation consultant can help you figure out the need for pumping and recommend some best breast pumps.
