Biting during breastfeeding - only got teeth at 12m

[Justanothergeneric]

Hello! My baby's teeth arrived very late, after his first birthday. I'm still breastfeeding him, and he is biting terribly. Any advice?

He is my second child - my first got teeth at about 5 months and we has a couple of weeks of biting but it was much more manageable. I just said 'no' and pulled him into the breast so his nostrils were covered and he had to let go. He stopped biting within about 2 weeks.

This time is much worse because the baby is much bigger/older and has much stronger jaws, and his nose isn't placed close enough to his mouth for me to reliably do the 'pulling in' trick.

I do want to keep breastfeeding for another 6m or so if possible. Partly because I want to, and partly because I'm vaccinated and the baby benefits indirectly from that for as long as they are still actively breastfeeding.

Any wisdom welcome!

I thought I'd have to give up BFing when DC1 started but a BDC advised me to try feeding lying down and it worked! Did a week or so of that then went back to normal feeding.

Difficult one, my DD bit me occasionally around that age. I followed my Mum's advice and tried very hard not to react at all - basically did nothing. Maybe I was lucky or maybe it worked but she only did it a few times - perhaps give it a go and see what happens.

Thanks so much both - much appreciated! Two decent ideas to try. To be honest having something to try - rather than just sitting helplessly waiting for the bite - makes me feel quite a bit better already.

Thoughts from anyone else welcome!