Biting while nursing and weaning

Maebb

I know this has been covered before, so sorry for the repeat. Or if anyone can find the other posts, please share a link...please and thank you.

DS bit me while nursing today, and it really hurt! I told him "no" sternly and stopped for a minute. He looked really shocked when I told him no, and then he started crying. Sweet boy. He did it one other time, but then he just nursed normally after that.

How quickly do they learn not to bite, and for those of you who have been bitten, was it a one-time thing, or did they do it again?

I am kind of nervous to nurse again, and I'm also producing less these days. I've been supplementing for a long time, but it's been more lately. I'm thinking maybe it's just time to stop and go straight formula and solids.

How do you know when it's time to wean? Does LO give any clues, or is it just based on when you decide to or other factors?

persephonerose

When D started biting I found this article from Kellymom that was very helpful. It helped me eliminate most biting just by being aware of the cues.  When D has new teeth coming in he does teeth to bite or tense his jaw on my nipple more. And if he is distracted he tends to clamp down, e.g I put him on the nipple but he breaks off twice, then I stop trying to feed or move to a dark quiet spot.

https://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/biting/

Gargita

It only took two "no biting"/boob removals for H to get the hint. But like what @persephonerose said, I can tell if he's thinking about doing it.

maven212

It has only happened to me once. I cried out "Owww. That's hurts mommy. Don't do that". She looked really surprised and then nursed really gently. I don't know that she understood, exactly. I think she might have just been surprised and then nervous.....but usually that means a lot of tears...so who knows. 

Anyway, I'm bracing for it to happen again. I had, sort of, been playing with her at the time, so it is my own fault (she giggles if I talk to her or rub her belly when she is feeding). 

winecastle14

O has bitten me a few times and it's always right before she cuts new teeth. It is really hard not to be tense the next few times you nurse. Babies are smart...you did the right thing by telling him no. He'll get it quickly. He may occasionally bite you again but for the most part he'll stop. 

You've made it so long with nursing. I'd hate to see you give up now. It doesn't have to be an all or nothing thing. I say this as you'd mentioned that you are supplementing more and more lately (which is why your supply is decreasing). 

A baby will not wean themselves before a year old. Biting and being distracted are just phases as they are making huge developmental leaps around this age. Hang in there! You'll be glad you did. 3 months is nothing compared to the 9 you've already made it through!