Biting Nipples: How to Deal with It Effectively ?

Biting nipples is common to all mothers who breastfeed. Allowing your baby to bite the nipples without doing anything isn’t the right way because your baby won’t learn that he/she is hurting you and will continue to bite. This may cause mastitis, which makes you unable to continue breastfeeding, or even cracked nipples. However, this problem is easy to solve though and here are the techniques we’ve gathered for you.

Why do babies bite the nipples?

Biting nipples can be caused by many reasons like:

• The feeding posture is incorrect. - If you carry your baby to breastfeed in the wrong way, or the wrong angle, your baby will unable to suck the whole nipple, only the tip of it. When it like this, the baby’s mouth may slip off the nipple and accidentally bite you.
• Not paying attention. You baby may be attracted to something else while breastfeedings, such as someone walking pass or talking. You should breastfeed in a quiet place so that your baby can concentrate on feeding.
• The baby's teeth are growing. - When the baby's teeth grow, his/her gum will feel itchy and want to bite something to release the ache, and that something can be mom’s nipples, too.

What to do when your baby bites nipples?

When the baby bite nipples, and you don’t stop him/her, or do something to stop this behavior, the baby will continue to bite without knowing that it hurts you. He/she may also laugh thinking that he/she is playing with you. So, you should find the solution as soon as possible. If the baby keeps biting the nipples, it may cause cracked nipples and become inflamed. This is how to deal with baby bites nipple problem.

• Do not pull out harshly. When the baby bites nipple, don’t pull the baby off the breast immediately because the nipple will be pulled and the baby may bite harder, and it may bleed.
• Interrupt the biting. When you feel that your baby about to bite the nipple, put your finger close to the breast. When the baby starts to bite, insert a finger into the baby’s mouth to stop him/her and pull the nipple out.
• Tell the baby that you are hurt. When the baby bites, pretend to startle and tell the baby seriously that, “Don’t bite. You’re hurting me.” You must not smile because the baby will understand that you’re playing and bite every time you breastfeed him/her.
• Suppress breathing. If the baby bites the nipple, push the baby's head against the breast to make breathing difficult, or squeeze the nose gently, to make the baby lets go of the nipple. If the baby bites once, you squeeze once, too. Keep doing this until the baby learns that he/she shouldn’t bite.

• Stop feeding immediately. Cover your breast right after the baby bites. If you scold the baby to let him/her know that you’re hurt and that doesn’t work, cover your breast and lay your baby down immediately, not letting him/her continue feeding. The baby will learn that this behavior is unacceptable and won’t do it again.
• Make the baby feel assure. When breastfeeding, you should embrace and look into the eyes of your baby. Make him/her feel your warmth. Don’t startle the baby like hitting his/her mouth with your hand, screaming at the baby’s face, yelling and crying, or grimacing because these actions will make your baby scares and won’t feed on you again.
• Find something else for the baby to bite. Such as rubber toy for biting, bite-sized foods like biscuits or apples.
• Observe and choose breastfeeding time. Some baby will bite when sleepy. Some when hungry. Some when feeling full. Some when falls asleep. Observe your baby and, if possible, choose the safer breastfeeding time.
• Compliment the baby. When your baby sucks gently and doesn’t bite your nipples, you should reward him/her with compliments, smile, hug, or kiss.
• Is the milk enough? Some baby will bite the nipples when the milk stops, but he/she isn’t yet full. You should try to stimulate more milk.

How to take care of your nipples when they’re cracked

If the baby bites your nipples until they’re hurt and cracked, you should try these methods.

1. Squeeze the milk. Apply it to the wound then let it dry without wearing a bra. Milk will heal wounds to heal faster. You may take some painkillers to reduce pain.
2. 2. If it’s too hurt, stop breastfeeding for a few days. Squeeze the milk every 2-3 hours and feed it to your baby using a cup or a spoon for the times being. Don’t use the bottle because it can confuse the baby and he/she may attach to the fake nipples.
3. Try to make the baby sucks deeper. Breastfeeding in the correct posture which the nose, cheeks, and chin of the baby should touch the entire breast. The baby’s lips should split open like a fish.
4. Don’t stop breastfeeding because it’ll reduce your milk.
5. Do not wash the nipple before breastfeeding. This includes not using soap or alcohol to wash or apply on the nipples. Don’t use hot or warm water to wipe the nipples because it’ll make the skin dry.
6. If the situation doesn’t improve, consult a breastfeeding specialist near you.

Biting nipples and cracked nipples problems are normal issues for all mothers. You should be prepared to take some of it. Don’t be discourage or stop breastfeeding. No matter how hard it is, the benefits that your baby will receive from breastfeeding is definitely worth.