Biting While Breastfeeding - Aurora,IL

Updated on December 30, 2008
G.G. asks from Aurora, IL
4 answers

My 7 month old daughter is doing a lot of biting and pulling on my nipple while she is breastfeeding. It is very painful. I do work full-time and pump twice a day and I usually feed her before and after work. A couple of weeks ago my production while pumping was down. I have been with her a lot the last two weeks and nursing as much as possible. She has really taken to the bottle lately but she appears to want me at bedtime. Why is she biting and how do I react?

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J.P.

answers from Chicago on

I had the same problem around the same age with my son. It seemed that he didn't realize he had teeth and that they hurt! I think he was just testing the new things in his mouth, and when he bit the bottle, it wouldn't matter. It mattered on me though! A few times, he bit so hard I started bleeding. When he would bite, I would say NO BITING really seriously and a bit loudly. It got his attention, and I would let him nurse again, but if he bit a second time, I would repeat the NO BITING and delatch him carefully. I wouldn't let him nurse again for about 10 minutes. Everything I read said they bite when they are finished eating, but he would always eat again after the 10 minutes. After a few times, he got the idea! The only issue now (very occasionally) is sometimes when he's pulling off, his teeth scrape against me. That's another ouch, but it's totally accidental, so I don't do anything.

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J.O.

answers from Chicago on

G.
you can also pull her in closer so she has to release the nipple and tell her that hurts mommy. I have nursed 5 kids and each has done it at some point. You can also be ovulating and that changes the test and production in some women. Get enough rest and plenty of fluids. Good luck
J.

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

My daughter did the same at about 6 months. I think it is just a phase, and she should stop doing it soon. I remember reading about biting, and decided to do the following: when she bites, stop the feeding and put your finger on her mouth gently and say gently but firmly, "no biting. that hurts mommy." Each time she bites, repeat this. She should stop if she knows that her actions will stop the feeding. Good luck. It hopefully is a short phase! I nursed my daughter until she was 20 months, and biting was only an issue at about 6 months.

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D.N.

answers from Chicago on

My daughter was the same way when she got the top teeth. I also don't think she realized it. But telling her no biting and finally realizing she was hurting me worked. Tell her firmly but not in a mean tone of voice. Like you, I nurse at home and pump while I am at work. Lately, she has started biting again and I think it is due to lower volume and she is getting frustrated that she is not getting as much. Maybe your volume is lower and you are getting the same reaction. I plan to buy Mother's Milk tea this weekend to see if it helps. If you can still pump, maybe pump a few times to see what volume you get. BTW, I tried the fenugreek others have suggested here and it made me sick. If your volume is okay, just keep telling him no biting and if needed, stop nursing for a minute.

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