Dealing With a Baby That Bites While Nursing

Nursing is a beautiful bonding experience, but sometimes dealing with a baby that bites while nursing can be painful and frustrating. Here are some tips to handle biting effectively:

1. Understand Why Babies Bite

  1. Teething: Babies often bite when they are teething and their gums are sore.
  2. Exploration: Babies explore their world through their mouths, and biting can be a part of that process.
  3. Distraction: If a baby is distracted or fidgety, they might bite while trying to latch or during a feeding.
  4. Playing: Sometimes, biting is just a playful response to a relaxed nursing session.

2. Prevent Biting

  1. Watch for Signs: Pay attention to your baby’s cues. If they seem distracted or are playing with your breast, gently redirect their focus.
  2. Positioning: Ensure your baby is properly latched and positioned. A good latch can help reduce the chances of biting.
  3. Offer Teething Relief: If you suspect teething, provide a teething toy or cold washcloth for your baby to chew on before nursing.

3. React Calmly

  1. Stay Composed: If your baby bites, try not to react with loud noises or jerking away, as this may scare them or cause them to bite more.
  2. Say “No” Firmly but Gently: Use a calm and firm voice to say “no” or “gentle” to help them understand that biting is not acceptable.

4. Take a Break

  1. Stop Nursing for a Moment: If biting continues, gently remove your baby from the breast for a short break. This can signal to your baby that biting leads to an end to feeding.
  2. Reassess: After a moment, try to reintroduce breastfeeding. If they bite again, you might need to take another break.

5. Provide Alternatives

  1. Teething Toys: Before nursing, offer a teething toy to help soothe their gums. This may reduce the urge to bite during feeding.
  2. Distract with Activities: Engage your baby in a gentle play session or a quiet activity before nursing to help them settle down.

6. Establish Consistent Boundaries

  1. Be Consistent: If biting becomes a habit, consistently respond in the same way each time. This helps your baby learn what is acceptable and what isn’t.
  2. Reinforce Positive Behavior: Praise your baby when they nurse gently without biting.

7. Seek Support if Needed

  1. Consult a Lactation Consultant: If biting persists and is causing distress, consider reaching out to a lactation consultant for personalized advice and support.
  2. Connect with Other Moms: Talking to other breastfeeding moms can provide helpful tips and reassurance.

Conclusion

Dealing with a baby that bites while nursing can be challenging, but understanding the reasons behind the behavior and responding calmly can help. By implementing preventive measures and setting boundaries, you can create a more comfortable breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby. Remember, this phase is often temporary, and with patience and persistence, things will improve!