A customer asked a question about Baby Biting while Feeding
"I'm experiencing a few difficulties breastfeeding my
nine-month-old - he has started biting during his afternoon feed. I
think it's because my supply is dwindling, and let-down is delayed,
and he's getting bored/frustrated"
We initially thought when reading this email was that the baby
is teething, and seeking relief for aching gums.
But it could also be due to baby having a cold or a stuffy
nose.
A lot of mothers decide to wean their babies after they have
received a few bites, even though biting is not an indication that
the baby is ready to be weaned. However with a little
help, the biting problem can be resolved so that you can
keep breastfeeding without the fear of being chomped on.
Although it is painful and can give you a fright:
- do not hit, tap, or rap your baby for biting you while
breastfeeding. They are not intentionally hurting you.
- Try to avoid a loud scream. A loud yell may quickly teach
a baby not to bite, but it could also startle them, and they might
not breastfeed again.
Try to say a firm "no" and remove baby from your breast.
Suggestions to Prevent Biting
Pay attention to your baby especially near the end of a
feed - which when a bite is most likely
to occur.
When a baby is latched on properly and is getting milk and
swallowing, it is physically impossible for them to bite you,
as their tongue will be placed between your nipple and
their teeth, which is how they work to get the milk out.
Baby will need to stop sucking inorder to bite you.
Signs that baby is about to bite include: pausing from feeding,
your nipple sliding forward in their mouth, a tension change in
their jaw or cheeks, or tongue changing position. Also if
your baby is not pulled in close to you while feeding, they
may accidentaly bite if the nipple keeps sliding out and
they are trying to latch back on.
Then if you do notice that baby is about to bite, you need to
release baby from your breast using your finger to break the
suction.
Another trick that works for some mothers, is to pull the
baby close into the breast so that they have to release the
nipple to breathe through their mouth.
If the baby's nose is blocked due to a cold, an upright nursing
position will be more comfortable and may make them less
likely to bite you.
If you know your baby is teething, give them something
to chew on before you feed.
Even young babies are clever and soon learn that if they bite,
they can't feed for a while. This is obviously
more effective with older babies, but it can't hurt to try at
any age.
If it seems like your baby thinks that biting is a game,
firmly say "no" and play a more appropriate game like peek-a-boo or
singing a song.
You may need to give your baby a small "time-out" from
breastfeeding if they continue to bite you. A firm "no biting"
coupled with removal from the breast for a few minutes will help
them to learn.
Good luck!!