To be frustrated that my DD is biting me while feeding.

[Poliomolio2]

My DD is 6 months, recently been biting at nearky every feed.

I've tried everything I can think of to get her to stop and I'm at my witts end.

I really really don't want to stop BFing but I'm so anxious about every single feed and I'm sure she is picking up on it.

My partner was just like 'stop feeding her and we will do formula' it was him and his family that basically said 'BM or nothing, you have to try, she will benefit more from it' which I know is true, so now for him to just dismiss and want me to go seto formula is taking its toll.

Im so confused on what to do and my mum guilt is at an all time high, it's really getting me down.

I love my DD so much and I want to continue BFing but I'm literally in tears writing this because I'm unsure what to do.

Has anyone had any luck with nipple shields and biting? Does this help? I don't want to mess up her latch or think she can bite on that.

When my babies did this, the minute they bit, I unlatched them and said "no" firmly. If they repeated then I stopped the feed. They soon learnt that if they wanted milk, they didn't bite.

DS2 has just started biting, I unlatch and relatch him every time he does. I also say "no biting mummy" with an exagerated headshake.

He's 5m and I guess teething so I make sure I give him toys to chew on a lot during the day (he likes soft rattles best) and the occassional sachet of teething granules. Then hopefully he's feeling less bitey when it's milk time!

do you put her down when she bites? A sharp no biting, and putting down immediately worked for us. mind you I suspect they had long ago bitten through the nerves and the nerves were no longer working by that point...

I used shields early on not very successfully but they might be better in an older baby. ended up doing mixed feeding to give 12 hours recovery for each side. it enabled us to carry on til 2 years 6 months when they decided to give up feeding.

Yep put your finger in to unlatch her. Say no biting firmly and put her down and walk away for a minute. It will take a few goes but she will learn. Also offer a teething toy, she may have some coming through.

Agree with PP. As soon as she bites, take her off, say "No" in a firm but monotone voice and possibly even put her down for a minute or so before trying again. When she bites, don't shriek, yell or scream as it will become a game for her as she'll enjoy the exciting noise and see it as a reward. Repeat as often as necessary.
It's very common at this age and it will pass if you follow the above advice . At 6 months they are starting to learn about consequence. Bite = no milk; she'll learn quickly!

As others have said, unlatch each time she bites you, she will soon learn that biting equates to coming away from being fed.
Just on a side note, it’s not down to DH or his family how your DD is being fed as it’s your body that is going through this. I’m not saying to just stop breast feeding as you have to do what’s right for you and your DD, and of course breast is best but the over ruling thing in this is being fed is best and you have to take your own mental health into this! If you start to resent feeding your child then this won’t be good for either of you!
Also might be worth seeing if you can get an appointment with a feeding consultant, I’m sure they will still be working and would be able to advise you on how to move through it!

My daughter did this at 6 months, too. It's very common. As pp said, you have to say a very firm NO, put her down immediately and walk away. My daughter learned very quickly that biting meant no milk.

It's been a few years but I seem to remember that if put your finger in her mouth while she's doing it, it will get her to unclamp. Remove her from your breast and say "no!". My dd used my nipples as a chew toy. I'd give it a try for a few more days and if you still hate it then try switching to formula, but it is up to you. I've never used nipple shields but have heard they work well for some

I second unlatching every time, saying 'No' firmly - she will learn. It won't take long. It's likely to be related to teething.

Unlatch every time and stop feeding she'll soon learn. It is horrible though you have my sympathy!

When my babies did this, the minute they bit, I unlatched them and said "no" firmly. If they repeated then I stopped the feed. They soon learnt that if they wanted milk, they didn't bite. That's what I do with my 10month old.

all the above advice.

Hi everyone, yeah ive tried unlatching, saying no, giving her a toy to chew on, placing her down, room with no distractions and honesty nothing helps.

It only seems to be during the day for naps mainly or if she is tired :(

Im just feeling so guilty either way and really don't want to introduce a, bottle if not needed as I felt so proud id accomplished 6 months EBF I now just feel like a failure

Do you unlatch her every single time she bites? I did that with DC1, saying calmly ‘no biting’ then waiting 30 secs or so (counting) before latching on again, and it did help. The phase passed. If teething is a factor could try chew toy type things.

Found cold tea bags (a fresh one, run under the tap) v good for sore/injured nipples! Better than lansinoh etc, for me.

Your H sounds unsupportive about feeding in general. Pushing his opinions/preferences. Would disregard his opinions and seek support elsewhere.

There were a good many times DC1 got VERY stroppy when latched off a good few times in one feed!

You can always bottle feed expressed milk - I did this for DS2 when I couldn't breast feed.

All 3 of mine were biters. All cut their first teeth around 12 weeks. Nipple shields didn't help. I found the only way was to stop feeding and reoffer. My 3 all fed till 13 months plus and it got easier once they realised biting =no food.
Its not really your dh (or his family's) decision its your body, you dictate what you want to do. Remember happy mum = happy baby so what ever is best for you is best for baby. You've done a great job getting this far if you decide not to continue try to let go of the guilt.

Do you know why she is biting? Do you think she has a blocked nose, or is is teething or just 'playing'? If its because she has a blocked nose, try squirting some milk up her nostrils before feeding.

If you think she is biting because she is teething or playing then you may want to watch her while she's feeding - the minute she attempts to pull away slightly to bite (babies can't bite while fully latched on), push her further onto the boob, so she can't (or insert a finger and unlatch, if you are quick).

I unlatched ds and put him on the floor when he bit me, I didn't give him anymore for a while either. It did work, he did cry a bit ( a lot) and I'm usually too soft with him but I drew the line at being bitten.

BF consultant gave me a tip when my DS got teeth about that age and started biting: immediately and firmly pull her in tight to you, she will unlatch. Say no. If repeated, switch breasts. If repeated on the other side, stop feeding and try again later. I had thought I would have to stop breastfeeding, but this changed the behaviour in just a few feeds.

My 8mo bites when teething. I pop on teething gel and, if necessary, give a dose of calpol. Wait a bit for these things to take effect and then try again. Also try feeding when just woken from a nap and still sleepy.

@Dozer I have been yes, she prefers to side feed so I've been rolling her away and saying 'no biting, that hurts mummy' and retrying a minute or so later like you say. I'll try cold tea bags! Thank you! I think he's just trying to ensure I've got options but at the minute all I want is a, big hug and someone to tell me it will pass haha!

@WitchDancer I would if I was a, good pumper, I literally can get out 1 or 2 ozs a session and she definitely isn't fulfiled after.

@Buckingham1988 Thank you so much, he thinks a shield will magic it all away but I've read it can mess up latch etc and she likes to chew on dummies etc rather than suckle so I think that'll just make her think she can, bite it? I wanted to BF anyway, but said look it may not work and I may not have milk and they were adamant people make milk and if not babies just die lol so I know it was there prefered choice and Im anxious if I stop ill get a lecture from MIL about her BF experience and how to just ride through it, which im hoping to do! I think I may be trying to feed at the wrong time, as she bit me 10 mins ago, I said no firmly, let her play, she's now latched on and taken milk and drifted to sleep.

@chwaraeteg I don't think she is teething (but the other two just popped up with no fuss so she may be!) it's more that she's all fidgety, then pulls away and bites mainly, other times she latches on and bites immediately and then comes off so it's hard to tell when or why it's happening. Think I may be letting her get too tired or something but I'm really, really unsure!

@missymousey I wish I could go see one but during this, time I can't find one. I've spoken to one online and done all the information she gave me.

@KatnissK she usually feeds to sleep and then often feeds after her nap

Fingers crossed it will pass.

Unlikely to be anything you’re doing, some DC just bite! My DC1 did, would bite on things and put everything in mouth, and many years on will still happily chew on objects, as do I DC2 was far more civilised!

Would advise not discussing feeding, or other parenting matters, with MiL. Especially if she ‘lectures’. Boundaries!

She can only bite you when she's not latched on properly. If she's on properly her mouth will be full of breast tissue so she physically can't bite you. Keep vigilant about making sure the latch is good and as soon as she starts to slip unlatch then and put her back on.