PSA if your BF baby bites while nursing

taylormillgirl

I've been bitten many times (ouch!) and had always read to say "no" firmly, then take baby off the breast. But today I heard something new and thought I'd share it, although I haven't tried it myself- he hasn't bitten me again yet.

A guru in LLL said when they bite, you immediately (but gently) push the baby's face toward your breast. This will cause them to open their mouth, thus releasing the painful grip on your nip, and also startles them a bit. She swears by it. Who knows? Maybe it will work for someone.

7/04Bride

Thanks for the tip!  DS doesn't have teeth yet, but I've been bracing myself for when he does!  Someone on here said that she pulled DC off the breast and put it away for a few minutes, then resumed BFing.  The baby cried a little, but she only had to do it one more time and she never bit again.

I've also heard that nursing strikes can be started because the baby is afraid you're going to scream (if you have before when bitten).

ms_mellor

I've heard that too (but can't remember where).  DD doesn't bite and then stay there, she sort of nips, so the getting her to let go is not an issue.  I have found that it tends to happen when she's bored or she's not getting enough fast enough (my supply dropped the other day due to AF, so I got bit), in which case I take her off the boob and switch to the other, or stop completely.

Nurse_Molly

Biting is on on going battle with me and Isabelle.  At times even when I push her face into me she bites harder. Then other times she doesn't bite at all... Its a guessing game  and somedays are better than others.  At times I think she has nipple confusion and thinks my booby is a bottle or a chew toy type thing... I haven't found anything to work the  best but just deal and go on.  The last few times she has bite though has caused me to bleed.  Crazy!!