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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Biting!

2 replies

Mondayschild · 22/03/2010 23:46

DS is 18 weeks and has been EBF since birth. Until now, we've had no problems at all and I'm really keen to try and carry on until he's at least 6 months.

He cut his first two teeth early (at three months). Initially, they didn't seem to affect feeding but over the last couple of days it has become increadibly painful. I now have quite a deep bite/puncture on one nipple and a smaller puncture on the other nipple, which is thankfully a little bit lower down.

Last night, he bit down really hard when latching on causing me to shout which really frightened and upset him . We tried again and managed to get through with me in quite a bit of discomfort.

Today, I've been mainly feeding him on the 'good' side (which is still pretty tender) and getting through a couple of quick feeds on the other side by me biting on his teether to avoid any more involuntary shouting! I'm also planning to express from this side to keep up supply and prevent engourgement.

Have tried nipple shield (not a good idea I know but pretty desparate) but DS not impressed and pulled it off himself!

Am worried both about the risk of infection due to wounds and causing long term damage.

I have searched for previous threads and seen advice to pull him off, say "no" and make him wait. I feel,however, that whilst this might work for an older child, DS is just too little to understand and would end up even more confused and upset. I feel very strongly this is absolutely not his fault, he's not deliberatly biting - his teeth are just getting in the way.

Sorry for long post, but any help/tips would be much appreciated.

TIA

OP posts:
ThisCharmingFlan · 23/03/2010 09:36

my DS had teeth early too and I also had problems with biting.

When you feel him start to bite have you tried pulling him closer to you so his nose is briefly covered by your breast? This will make him let go as he'll naturally breath through his mouth. It took a few times, but DS got the hint hasn't bitten since.

Hope things improve for you.

Mondayschild · 23/03/2010 11:20

Thanks so much for replying. Sounds like a good way for DS to hopefully get the message too, and will definitely give it a go.

ATM though the big problem is the pain when he latches on due to the existing wounds. It basically looks like I've got a chunk missing from one nipple, and an open wound just under the other. The flesh underneath is exposed and they look a little like ulcers IYSMIM. I'm normally pretty hardy, but am reliably informed by DH that some of the noises I've made are not disimilar to those emitted in the delivery room!!! Am sure this cannot be good for DS to hear, and also worried about further damage as they are just not getting chance to heal. Going to see the doctor on Thursday......

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