Breastfeeding Issue - Medford,NY

Updated on March 25, 2007
J.S. asks from Medford, NY
6 answers

Hi! Im a breastfeeding mom of a 14 month old. We have been having issues with her biting and it only seems to be one breast which (happens to be her favorite). I have tried ending the nursing session it pretty much works for a while then its back to the same thing. Im about ready to stop, for me its been long enough and at times Im very sore if not cut as well as stressed out.She shows no signs of wanting to stop. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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Y.K.

answers from New York on

that's interesting, my daughter is 14 months too and she is also started to bite me when i nurse her. i just stop and tell her that she hurts me, then she goes back on without biting. she only has 2 bottom teeth though:) i'm committed to continue, hopefully it the biting stops like someone else mentioned.
good luck on whatever you decide.

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J.D.

answers from New York on

J.,

Opinions and philosophies on breastfeeding past a year are mixed, and everyone's entitled to their own. I see nursing past a year to be just fine as long as EVERYONE involved wants to continue. If you are ready to stop, and her hurting you is a real good reason, then wean her. Some people go for a don't ask, don't refuse method, where if the baby asks to nurse, either verbally or with gestures, you let her, but you don't sit down at regular times or offer the breast. Others start offering a sippy cup of milk just before typical nursing time to fill her belly and replace that part of her habitual routine. Some Moms go cold turkey, just stop, and say no. It's rough for a few days, but they survive. The method is all up to you. If you are ready to wean, then feel free to do it. You've done a great job nursing her, and her health will benefit from your efforts for avery long time. Congratulations to you!

If you don't want to wean, then really the only method is to remove her from the breast when she bites, tell her No Biting! and not let her continue. There aren't a whole lot of other options on that.

Jess

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N.F.

answers from New York on

Hi J.,

If your feeling it's enough for you then listen to yourself. I had to do the same thing. Once my 9 month old starting biting I said, "No Way"! And besides my husband wanted me back!lol! Your baby will be fine and I am very proud of you that you nursed as long as you did. Don't worry..your baby will get use to the bottle. It will be weird at first for your baby but not as weird as your baby biting at your boob!

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C.K.

answers from New York on

I think that as the mother it should be up to you when the time has come to stop breastfeeding. It may not be easy and you have to deal with some major fussing but the child will get over it once you put your foot down and say enough is enough. My sister stopped breastfeeding at 10 months due to the biting, I myself chose not to go that route but my daughter wasn't even still drinking formula at 14 months so I wouldn't be too worried about it.

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C.A.

answers from New York on

Hi J.,

I had a similiar problem when my daughter was 14 months (she's now 16mth). The biting only really lasted for about 2 weeks, ever time she did it I would make her stop nursing,and then tell her no bite. Sometimes this worked, sometimes it didn't. Like you, my breast were getting very sore so I used lanolin to try and heal them. I was commited to continue breastfeeding, so I onsulted my laleche league leader. She said that it's common for children around this age to "forget how to nurse", this is because they are getting so many teeth and they just don't know what to and how to nurse anymore. Like I said it took about 2 weeks, and now we are a happy nursing team again. Either you can wait it out, or wean her the choice is yours. I will say though, that having a toddler that nurses make your life SOOOO much easier! I hope everything gets better.

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D.R.

answers from New York on

hi J., when my kids started with the biting, i would immediately tell them no! firmly and take them off, and hold them away from me, turn my head and not look at them for a minute or 2. they hated this, especially my daughter, and it worked with both kids very quickly, a few times at most. that is for the awake, fully aware biting, they are kind of trying it out and dont know what to do with their teeth.
when they are actively nursing, the bottom teeth are covered by their tongue, and they really cant bite. see if the problem mostly happens as she is falling asleep and/or trying to get a better latch. sometimes you just have to be a bit more aware while nursing, when she seems to be falling asleep or finishing up, or if she gets startled or distracted, she may bite accidentally while trying to re-latch, pay attention and take her off before she gets to that. if you do this, it really shouldnt last, mine both got through it very quick. best of luck, D.

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