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7.5 month old biting when breastfeeding !

4 replies

JoInScotland · 12/09/2010 05:20

Well I think the title says it all really. My son's first two teeth are coming in - the bottom two - and first made an appearance 2 and 3 weeks ago respectively. He seemed rather relieved, since he's had all the classic signs of teething - lots of drool, red cheeks, chewing everything - since he was 12 weeks old but no teeth.

Now he's biting, quite hard at times, when nursing. It isn't every time and sometimes I can see it coming and reel in my nipple to safety. However, shouting "ow!" or "don't bite!" isn't getting the message across and when he's tired and hungry, and then gets shouted at he bursts into tears... I comfort him but the thing that comforts him most is the breast, which he bites again.... it's a vicious cycle.

Please help! He's normally such a good natured, happy boy. We've never had "behavioural problems" with him before, and I want to deal with this in a kinder way than shouting at him. Also, I'd like to find a way to keep my nipple attached to my body, before he severs it with his razor-sharp teeth.

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Kathyjelly · 12/09/2010 05:35

Ouch. I remember that. You really need to fix it quick before the top two come through!

When he bites you (and be ready for it) insert a clean finger in between his gums, remove him from the nipple and put him on the floor. At this point I used to hop round the room swearing and rubbing sore extremity. Once it's stopped hurting, pick him up and continue feeding.

He'll soon work out that every time he bites you, he gets detached from his food. I think it took about 36 hours for my ds to get the message.

moajab · 12/09/2010 22:39

Pinch his nose! Not hard, but just so he has to let go to breathe. He's not doing it deliberately - he's not used to having teeth and experimenting them. It didn't seem to upset my DS when I did this - infact he thought it was quite funny! - but it seemed to show him the feeding is not the time to be experimenting with teeth and after a few days he stopped doing it. Also make sure he's got a good mouthfull of breast when he starts, that way the nipple is further back in his mouth and a less tempting target for him. If you notice that he's got less in his mouth during the feed tkae him off and position him properly again before resuming. Good luck!

AngelDog · 13/09/2010 20:31

Advice from Kellymom here

It should improve as he gets used to the feel of his teeth. My DS bit me a few times, but now with 6 teeth it's extremely rare. When the teeth are coming through, though, feeds are unpleasant and sharp-feeling but that disappears after a couple of days.

nimbs · 13/09/2010 20:48

What I used to do if I was bitten by one of mine was to bring them into my breast - a bit like pinching their noses I guess so they have to let go - fwiw they only bit me a couple of times especially after doing the above.

hope he stops biting soon

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