Toddler latching with teeth HELP!

[MrBobLobLaw]

Hello, I’d like any advice/shared experience please. I’m currently 29 weeks pregnant and still bfing my 22 month old boy. He only really feeds before/after sleeping now and the feeds are shorter. He’s also only getting colostrum. My plan was to wean him but it hasn’t happened and I’m okay with it.

My gripe is that he now feeds by holding my nipple between his teeth. He’s not ‘biting’ me per se but I think as his jaw is changing shape he’s not able to latch.like he used to so he uses his teeth as a clamp. As you can imagine this is pretty sore!

His communication is good and I’ve tried to talk about it with him but, as he’s not actually biting me, he doesn’t really understand what he’s doing wrong.

When baby 2 comes along I’m happy to still feed my big boy, but I’m concerned that my boobs will be shredded with a newborn AND a chomping toddler!

Has any else had this problem? Was there anything you did that helped with either the teeth clamping or soreness whilst tandem feeding?

Thanks in advance.

I had this problem and I apologise in advance but I had to wean him. I couldn't put up with it and I found no way of stopping him.

I fed DD to 23m (when for different, pre-planned reasons we stopped.)

I found that every time she got new teeth that there would be uncomfortable grating from the new teeth as she adjusted to the new mouth shape. Every single time the latch was hurting me I unlatched her, explaining why (using the same words each time in the hope she'd get to understand which she did) and then let her relatch. If, during the same feed it happened more than about 4 times we'd abandon that feed. She got the hang of it and eventually I didn't have to unlatch her, just say 'you're hurting mummy' and she'd readjust the latch.

I did wonder if that might be the only way @Peanutbuttericecream. How did you wean your DS? I remember how sore my boobs were when he was newborn (though of course they're hardened like the screws of the titanic now...) so I'm dreading how they'll feel with both of them having a go!

I don't think it's teeth related @INeedNewShoes as he's had a full set of gnashers for a good 6 months now I think (he got 4 at once during one memorable period). It seems to be an issue with his latch really, but he can't fix it and I've tried a few ways to explain but nothing seems to help him. Poor guy is really trying too!!

Hmm I think I'd start the weaning process to be honest. It needs to be comfortable and non-stressful for both of you.

I chatted a lot with DD about how she was nearly a 'big girl' and that she could have a lovely cup of milk at bedtime instead but I emphasised that we could still have lots of cuddles.

Hmm maybe you're right @INeedNewShoes. He sometimes like a cup of almond milk (he doesn't like cows milk for some reason) but not always but I've introduced 'cosy cuddles' a while ago so maybe I'll have to explain that milky is going away or something. Thanks for your advice

I'm also a bit worried about how he'll react when he sees his baby brother getting all the boob action in a few months!

I'd say that's another good reason to wean now. a couple of months is a long time to a toddler. I feel certain that my DD (weaned 4 months ago) wouldn't struggle with BF jealousy now as it seems like such a thing of the past to her and something that 'babies' do where as she likes to think she's a 'big girl' as she's potty training, dressing herself, stopped using highchair etc.

To be totally honest, it is probably nature's way of saying it is time to stop now.

Agree with the PP. It sounds like it's time to stop, especially with baby arriving soon.