Need I say more?? How can I stop this? It started yesterday ad he has done it at every feed since. Is he too young to tell off? Do I just say no and set him on the floor straight away or something? I have no idea what to do, DD was self weaning around this age, but DS seems like he will go on forever. He will not feed from a bottle, expressed or formula, cries at the mere sight of it! I am really not enjoying BF at the moment, I hope its just cause he is teething or something ....
Can't see his age as I'm on my phone, but when MJ started biting I would take her off and that would be the end of the feed, i would tell her no and that she was hurting mummy, can't remember her age but it was fairly young... She soon got the idea (like a day or two)
It really hurts, it's horrid and I am dreading this with DD2.
:hugs: hope it stops real soon
There are three things that seem to contribute most to biting:
1) teething - so try and give him something like a cold facewasher to suck on before you feed
2) imperfect attachment. Although it seems very counterintuitive, the more boob you have in bub's mouth the less they can bite, and the less the bite can hurt. Also, support bub's head really well, so they don't feel they are slipping and clamp down.
If neither of these work then it is likely to be
3) curious babies working out what their mouths are and aren't for. Say something like "No biting Mum", stop the feed, and pop bub on the floor to be sad for a minute. It usually only takes a little while for them to get the message
If you feed lying down and support him behind his back then although he may bite he can't bite and seriously pull back as well, which hurts the most
good luck - the ABA has some really useful info on biting too.
First thing is to check the latch. If he's latched correctly, he can't bite. So he will have to come off a bit/pull back from the breast to do it. There's usually a 'tell' when they're about to do it, so watch him carefully, you'll soon learn what it is. Wait with little finger poised to break the seal at the first sign he wants to bite and take him straight off. If you keep at it for a bit, he'll get tired of this new game. If he persists, you can say no and put him down if he does it. He is still quite young but should get the connection between biting and no more milk. The ABA will have more advice for you - 1800-686-2-686
It is really common for them to go through biting phases, but they do pass so hang in there. It may be due to teething, so make sure you offer other things to chew on that don't involve pain for mummy
DS is biting too at the moment. Taking him off, or saying 'no' just makes him giggle.... even if i say nothing he feels me flinch, and has a giggle... hoping he out grows it VERY soon.
I went through the same thing with DS a few times..
First time he was teething but had no teeth, just clamping down and drawing my nipple through his gums - Yowch! I watched for when he was going to do and said a firm NO, and popped him on the floor, (cue screaming baby) he only ever did it a few times.learned VERY quick.
second timehe was older and had all his teeth, CHOMP..testing my reaction, maybe I wasnt paying enough attention?
anyway same thing but more explanation, "no biting mummy, if you bite mummy no boobies" on the floor, walked away, DS howled, never did it again.
2013 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.
Biting!!
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks