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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Biting my nipples

44 replies

Princessmama18 · 30/05/2019 13:07

Any advice would be greatly appreciated please I'm really struggling at the moment .

I've recently had blocked ducts which are now unblocked but left my nippers feeling tender, my little one has started biting down in my nippers when feeding, only every now and then and whilst I know this is to be expected, it's agony and brings me to tears.

The issue I've got now is I'm really anxious that every time I feed DD is going to chomp down on my nippers and it is affecting feeds , I'm starting to dread feeding for the first time which is horrible, whilst feeding I an anxious waiting for the bite, DD must be aware as is unsettled, I'm now upset as feel like a bad mum as I can't feed and settle my baby.

This is the first time i have felt this but i am seriously considering stopping breastfeeding altogether now as I just feel so anxious, but I loved breastfeeding, I just don't know what to do.

Anyone had a similar situation?

OP posts:

BlackeyedGruesome · 30/05/2019 15:55

ALso recommend putting down as soon as they bite.

on the plus side, nipples become a lot less sensative over time. the bugger bit through the nerves probably by the time they are a toddler (18m) and standing on one leg to feed and pulling the nipple out to about 2cm long... or trying to turn over while still having the nipple in their mouth...

redwoodmazza · 30/05/2019 16:01

Mine bit me when he was 8 months old. It was agony!!! I decided at that point he was weaned and he went on to a feeding cup with junior milk or whatever it was. Ouch.

ethelfleda · 30/05/2019 16:04

My DS did that once or twice and it took me by surprise so much that I shouted out and it made him jump! I didn’t mean to, was just a knee jerk reaction.
Anyway, after that he didn’t do it again.

Original poster

Princessmama18 · 30/05/2019 19:13

Would nipple shields help? Has anyone tried?

OP posts:

Furrydogmum · 30/05/2019 19:21

I stopped bf at 6 months with both of my dc due to teething on me.

TinyCheese · 30/05/2019 19:35

My DS started biting my nipples at 8.5 months, it was horrible and I couldn't stop him whatever I tried. He already had four teeth by then so I don't think it was solely due to teething, it felt like he decided he didn't want to breastfeed anymore. I can't think of anything apart from suggesting that you use a pump perhaps?

Foxmuffin · 30/05/2019 19:37

@OnePotMeal

Me too!!

DeadDoorpost · 30/05/2019 19:43

I stopped breastfeeding once the molars started coming through... DS used to only chomp down in the first week of teeth cutting through. Had to stop at one point because he actually cut into the skin as he was in so much pain. And then I was too... I cried.

I found putting nipple cream on helped them heal and also helped DS to stop biting as he didn't really like the taste of it.

oldmumnewmum · 30/05/2019 19:57

yes nipple shields might help, was just about to suggest them, you'll still feel the biting, but it won't be as sore, give them a go xxx

Crabbitstick · 30/05/2019 20:03

To help nipples heal run breast milk on them after feeds.

If you think it is due to teething then could you give DD teething gel before feeds?

It will pass - I have horrible memory of my oldest biting and then tugging once. He drew blood! Was very wary about feeding after that but we got passed it and fed into toddlerhood!

BertieBotts · 30/05/2019 21:18

Is she properly deeply latched on? DS2 (9m, 4 teeth) bit me last night when he was falling asleep and the nipple had slipped out of his mouth a bit and it was bloody agony. Whereas usually when he bites the nipple is much further into his mouth so he's only biting down on a less sensitive bit, which is annoying but no more than momentarily painful.

nespressowoo · 30/05/2019 21:19

Push her face into your breast so she has to let go because she can't breathe. Obviously don't do it for a prolonged time for obvious reasons...

Original poster

Princessmama18 · 30/05/2019 22:59

I use the teething gel but someone suggested not using it before a feed as it numbs the mouth, but it might stop her chomping down in pain if teething?

Getting her to let go isn't an issue at the moment as I think she does it by accident and let's go right away, it's because they are already tender from previous problems being blocked ect ( which is now sorted ) that I'm just anxious waiting for it to happen as it's so painful that it's making feeding horrible for the both of us now

I love breastfeeding and would rather carry on if I can ( just need to find a way to get through this )

Maybe I will try the nipple shields but I read somewhere it could make the biting worse!?! Urrgh

OP posts:

MRex · 30/05/2019 23:10

You need loads and loads of lanolin cream, sleep with it on with breastpads and then keep topping it up through the day. It will get your boobs healthy again in a couple of days.

I've no idea about nipple shields, but I use anbesol liquid as it reduces the pain so it reduces biting, works that way for my DS anyway.

Pipandmum · 30/05/2019 23:14

Always thought getting teeth is mother nature’s way of saying time to stop breast feeding!

nespressowoo · 30/05/2019 23:22

You don't need nipple shields, it will confuse her. And once the teething settles normal service resumes.

I fed DS for 18 months with many a tooth. He learnt quickly.

Recavanometer · 30/05/2019 23:25

Mine used to do this and yes, defo got the glint! It was generally towards the end of a feed and there would always be a bit of fidgeting and looking distracted first. Bloody hell it hurt and I screamed once and made him cry!

BlackeyedGruesome · 30/05/2019 23:53

I alternated so each boob only got fed on every 12 hours using a bottle as the third feed.

hookiwooki · 31/05/2019 10:49

OP you don't have to continue if you don't want to. However, if you do want to, nipple shields will probably confuse her. The best advice I can give is already in my previous reply.

@Pipandmum That is ridiculous. Babies can (although rare) be born with teeth. Is that nature's way of saying those babies shouldn't have breast milk? Natural weaning usually occurs between the ages of two and four (although some babies will wean earlier and some children will wean later).

In societies where breastfeeding rates are so low, perpetuating myths does nothing to improve breastfeeding awareness and societal tolerance.

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