Already teething has disturbed your breastfeeding a bit, now baby starts biting while suckling. Tips and advice to help you get through this step.
Growing teeth are rarely good news for breastfeeding mothers. This is a worrying time since babies have a tendency to bite when their teeth come through. For some babies who drink delicately, the transition is quite smooth. For others, in whom the sucking reflex is very strong, this period could be more difficult and make you want to wean your baby. Here are some tips to continue breastfeeding without pain.
Why does a baby bite?
According to the La Leche league, babies can bite because their teeth are growing and biting eases their pain, but this reflex can also be caused by a strong reflex of bite present at birth. If your baby presses hard on your nipple every time he swallows, if your breasts are sore for up to an hour after breastfeeding, if your baby is not growing as it should, and your nipple turns white when you breastfeed, it is likely your child has this reflex.
If this is the case, not only is breastfeeding difficult, but it is likely thathis movement prevents him from drinking enough since he blocks the milk with his gums. To remedy this, get into the habit of breastfeeding your child in the Rugby position. In this position, you will have an easier time reaching her mouth, and you can press her bottom lip firmly to keep her jaw from pressing against your breast.
Watch our video on breastfeeding positions to validate your approach.
You can also use a breast pump to give your baby a little bottle feed before breastfeeding. If he is less hungry, his reflex will be less powerful and he will be able to drink more calmly. Don't despair, the strong bite reflex disappears quickly in most cases.
My baby is hurting me with his teeth
Also, if your baby bites you while teething, you will probably jump. If you do, your reaction might surprise him and make him want to do it again. In this case, it will probably be the only bite you will have. Be sure to comfort him though so he won't be afraid to breastfeed in the future.
If your baby finds your reaction rather funny and wants to see you jump up again, there are some things you can do right away to let him know not to bite you anymore.
- Quickly and gently insert your little finger in the corner of his mouth to keep him from biting harder and relax his jaw. During this period,it would be safer to cut your nails so as not to hurt his gums.
- Look him in the eye and say "no". When he associates biting with stopping drinking, he will hesitate to do so.
- Don't leave him on the breast too long, take him out when he seems full. That way he won't be tempted to play with your breast.
- If he seems to want attention by biting, get into the habit of giving him your full attention during feedings.
- You may think about weaning him, but it is not necessary. Obviously, you can stop if you are too afraid of being bitten and this behavior worries your baby, but know that most breastfeeding mothers overcome this problem and continue afterwards without the problem returning.
Do not hesitate to consult a lactation specialist if you have difficulty managing bites. You can call 1-866-breastfeeding for valuable advice.
