Don't want to give up breastfeeding but ds keeps biting, ouch!

[helips]

Know a similar threads been out before but just wanted some advice. My ds is 7 months old and keeps nipping me when feeding. I've tried saying no and stopping the feed but he just smiles and the next time I feed does it again. He did this a few months ago but then stopped until just recently. He hasn't got any teeth yet so I realise he could be teething. My main concern is what happens when he has got teeth and bites? At the moment it just feels uncomfortable and makes me jump but when he does have teeth will he bite hard? Could he bite my nipple off? Realise this probably sounds a bit dramatic but I really don't want to stop breastfeeding but at the same time I would like my nipple intact!! Any advice would be appreciated!

[canadianmum]

Can i join in and ask for the same advice?

dd cut her first tooth literally 2 hours ago and nipped me hard (she is just 6 months old). It really hurt (of course!) and she did it once more and I took her off immediately. She then finished the feed with no more nips but I am a bit apprehensive about the next one......... That tooth is as sharp as a razor...

[BabiesEverywhere]

This is a common thread on this board, sounds like most babies go though a biting phrase.

Here is a good article on Kellymom

I use to apply teething gel to my DD's gums 5 minutes before a feed and if she did bite I would break the seal at my breast and place her on the floor at my feet. She quickly learnt that biting meant the end of that nursing session.

HTH

[chibi]

In my experience my dd would also tend to nip at the end of a feed when she was done nursing.

[whomovedmychocolate]

My 17 month old still makes a mistake now and then and bites me - but a firm no and not only the removal but the putting away of the boob normally sets her on the right track for next time.

When they are little (under a year) I find that wrapping them really tightly so they can't pull away helped. Or laying them on a pillow. Often DD bit because she lost her balance. The teeth btw get less sharp once they are using them on food enough.

I also used to give DD teething gel before feeds and also if she was in a bitey mood I'd not feed her till she was really hungry because then she was more interested in sucking than mucking around.

It does get easier honestly.

[helips]

Thanks for all the advice, it's my first time posting so really appreciate it! I will check out the Kellymom website and wait to feed ds when he's really hungry, hopefully that will help! Can I just ask, when they bite with teeth can they do serious damage (enough to stop you breastfeeding altogether?)

[whomovedmychocolate]

No. It's really rare that they even break the skin. It still hurts obviously but after a minute it stops. BTW if he has bitten you and you immediately press down on the bit that hurts it stops hurting because the blood doesn't flow to the area as quickly. Obviously it's hard to do this while restraining the little monkey but I tend to clasp my arm across my bosom and that reduces the pain substantially. (Yeah I know, weird ).

As far as I know no baby has ever severed his mum's nipple though

[helips]

hee hee, thanks whomovedmychocolate. Will try that next time the little monster decides to have a chew. He hasn't bitten me today so hopefully thats that (touching lots of wood!)