Ouch - Baby now biting when b-feeding - why oh why?!

[babyincubator]

So my charming little three month old has taken to biting my nipple when feeding.

Anyone know why or how to fix this rather painful issue!?

He has exclusively b-fed really well for just over three months but in the last few days, has taken to gnawing my boob at the end of a feed. I thought perhaps my milk was drying up and he was hungry but no milk... but it keeps him going - and he is sleeping through the night so i don't think it's hunger.

Could it be teething? He is rather a dribbly little monkey - but he is only three months so rather young to start?

I would like to b-feed for a further three months but won't be able to continue if he keeps treating my nipple as a biting tool! WHAT CAN I DO??

Try taking him off as soon as he stops actively feeding. If he will have a little gnaw after he's finished his feed and he's teething, he will probably just bite down on anything it's just unfortunate that it happens to be your nipple.
You could also put bonjela or similar on DS's gum before he feeds to see if that helps.

Is it only happening at the end of a feed? If so, can you change his routine slightly? IE take him off as he's getting sleepy and lay him down, or rock him, cuddle him, give him his dummy or something.

If he's doing it when he's awake, break the latch, and say "No" very firmly. If you do this, make sure you do take him off properly, much as the temptation is to rip him off! Also, if you go down this route, make sure you compliment it with lots of praise for not biting, and talking whilst he's on the breast.

Could be teething - try giving him something else to chew on, such as a teether toy or a cold damp muslin square. Its not too early for teething, unfortunately!

Hope that helps a little.