photo credit: DanielJames

Although it’s common your baby bites during breastfeeding, many mothers wonder how they will be able to continue to nurse after their babies get teeth. Then some questions appear related to the problem.

There are three reasons why your baby bites during breastfeeding. Babies bite because they start teething. They also bite to prevent sliding off the breast by clamp down to nurse. The last reason is, sometimes, they clench their jaws as they fall asleep.

A baby cannot breast-feed and bite at the same time. When he nurses, his tongue comes over his bottom gum line. In order to bite, he has to stop suckling. If a baby is going to bite, it is usually towards the end of a feeding

When you baby is going to bite, you feel the difference in his jaw tension and notice his tongue change position. Gently push his head into your breast — just for a second. When you do this, he will open his mouth and you can safely detach him. Avoid pulling him off your breast directly as this can hurt.

Babies do not realize that they are hurting you when they bite. Here is a good way to teach “nursing manners.”

After you have removed your baby from the breast, talk to him for a moment, face-to-face. Use short, simple, positive phrases like, “Nurse gently,” and then offer to nurse again. He will soon get the message.

An older baby may think that this is a game; you may notice a twinkle in his eye just before he clamps down! However, babies are not allowed to bite their mamas.

If this happens, detach him and talk to him. Put him down for a moment in a safe place and walk away so that he cannot see you, but come right back and pick him up. Tell him that he must be gentle, and offer to nurse again.

Knowing the reason why your baby bites could help you to minimize the problem. If he is teething, offer him other things on which to chew. A favorite teether is one made from a clean washcloth. Ring it out in cold water, pop it into a plastic baggie and freeze. To use, take it out of the baggie and let him play with it. When he puts it into his mouth, the ice crystals on the rough terry cloth will help to soothe his gums.

You also may want to talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter gum preparations or teething tablets.

If your baby clenches his jaws as he falls asleep, gently remove him from your breast. Should he wake up, he may need to nurse a little longer.

If your baby is biting because he is not latched on properly, remove him from your breast and latch him on correctly. Make sure that you are supporting your baby’s weight so that he is lying straight across your body and not pulling your nipple down. A good latch feels comfortable to both of you.

If you would like some help in getting a good latch, call your local La Leche League leader for one-on-one help.

Well, I hope this article could help you against this minor problem. Continue breastfeeding, because it’s the best for your baby!

Tags: babies bite

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