We know that breastfeeding as a first-time mummy is a beautiful experience for you. After all, while breastfeeding you are getting a chance to connect with your baby easily. But breastfeeding also comes with its own set of challenges like sore nipples, breast engorgement, etc. Your newborn’s biting on your nipples during breastfeeding is also one of them. Some of you may think that nipple biting may be a sign of weaning, but that is far from being true. You might wonder.
What are the Causes Behind Nipples Biting During Breastfeeding?
Your newborn may not know the correct technique of latching while breastfeeding. Alternately, you have not been able to position yourself properly while nursing your cuddly little one. Well! That’s not all. There are several other reasons for your baby biting on your nipples.
The reasons include:
Teething
Your baby’s teething is common by the time he or she is 6 months old. But, as a result of teething, your sweet little one may show signs of irritation and may have swollen and painful gums. To get some relief your baby might bite on your nipples.
Low Milk Supply
When your breastmilk supply is not enough, your baby might feel bored, distracted and irritated while waiting for the milk to flow down. Your newborn would end up biting on your nipples.
Baby Seeks Your Attention
We know that endless breastfeeding sessions may be tiresome for you. You might even fall asleep while breastfeeding. Alternatively, you may not maintain eye contact while you are feeding your newborn. During such times, your little one might want your attention. He or she may end up biting on your nipples while feeding.
Your Baby May Suffer From a Cold or Have An Ear Infection
If your sweet and cuddly little one is caught with a cold or suffers from an ear infection, he or she may find it very difficult to swallow as well as suck, thus leaving you with baby bites on your nipples.
Are There Ways To Stop Your Newborn From Biting Nipples?
You may not have to do the hard work of preventing your newborn from biting your nipples. This would come to your little one naturally. However, here are some of the ways that you can try out to prevent your baby from biting your nipples.
Avoid Drama
You might yell when you get bitten by your little one. But such things would not be that helpful. Your response is going to upset the baby and he or she is going to bite you more. Avoid the drama and handle the situation calmly, thus letting your little one know that biting your nipples is not okay.
Take Your Baby Off your Breasts When They are Asleep
We know how painful your little one’s nipple biting could be for you. But, we also know that you can’t take your breasts away from your baby’s mouth immediately, as that can damage your nipples. Such a reaction might also leave your baby scared. So, take your breasts away from your baby’s mouth, when they have fallen asleep.
Give Alternatives For Baby’s Teething
You can give them a toy to bite on. Or massage your little one’s gums with a clean finger or cloth.
Give Them a Lot of Eye Contact
If you feel that your little one is seeking your attention, talk to them while you are nursing him or her and make enough eye contact with the child.
Along with the above-mentioned nipple biting tips, treat your nipples with lanolin (a cream that is used on the skin while breastfeeding both for you and your baby) in between feeds, to make you feel comfortable. This will also help you breastfeed longer.