My Breastfed Daughter Is Biting Me!

Updated on February 29, 2008
S.L. asks from Clearwater, FL
7 answers

My daughter is 8 months old and I have been breastfeeding her exclusively until she started solids about 2 months ago. She has recently started getting her teeth in, three to be exact, and now she bites almost every time I nurse her. Any advice on how to get her to stop? So far I have done all that I can possibly think of, which is say no and end the nursing session. I don't think she is ready to wean yet; I wanted to continue nursing at least another three months but if I can't get her to stop I may have to!

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L.H.

answers from Tampa on

Hello S.,

I know how important it is breastfeeding and that wonderful feeling of doing such....but, she does not realize she is hurting you and I know you want to keep doing this with her,but maybe you will have to pump if it gets worse.

My son use to do that also and it is so painful. I overlooked it for a while, but I realized he couldn't help it. Pumping is just as healthy for them, and you can still hold her close while feeding her from the bottle.

It will be okay new mommy!! You have 18 wonderful years ahead of you....

Good Luck!

L. Hein
Author
THE BOOK "I'm Doing The Best I Can!" (They won't always be cute and adorable)
www.lisarhein.com

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D.S.

answers from Tampa on

Ouch! Have you considered about pumping your milk with a breast pump? I know they are expensive. I used a breast pump to increase my milk supply after 6 weeks of breast feeding because my supply started to dwindle. I gave up when I could only get 2 ounces every session. Good for you, for your desire to continue to breastfeed your baby. I have an Ameda hygienic electric dual pump for sale it’s the only pump available that protects breast milk from bacteria and viruses. The retail for $200.00. I will sacrifice for $75.00. Comes with carrying case, bottles etc. My name is D. and I have an 8 month daughter as well. I live in St Petersburg in the Tyrone area with my fiance I have the luxury of being a stay at home mom too. Good luck! ____@____.com.

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R.W.

answers from Tampa on

If you find yourself having to end sessions early, which will gradually lessen your milk supply, you might as well begin using a breast pump. Electric ones are usually more powerful and less time-consuming (it depends on how often your child needs to be at the breast), but they are more expensive. Some hospitals or services rent the electric ones out. Breast-milk is always best, but there are many brands of formula available which do a decent job of providing good nutrients for your child.

When I stopped breast-feeding, it was earlier than eight months, and it was because I had gotten sick and was miserable doing it. I used a hand-pump for a while, but my supply gradually lessened until it wasn't worth it anymore. Many brands of formula actually provide a different amount of vitamins and minerals for children 9-24 months, which you can find next to their infant formulas.

Our pediatrician told us to wean our son from the bottle at age one, however. This isn't to say that your child shouldn't be getting formula or breast-milk once or twice daily though, because it's an important part of their diet and development. But around age one, usually it's cut back while your child is introduced to other foods. During this time, we taught our son to drink from a cup.

I would say switch to a pump for a few months, then perhaps get one of those 9-24 month formulas and give it to her a couple times a day as a part of a routine diet of mixed baby foods and cereals. Of course you should ask your pediatrician first. But my advice is to use the pump while cutting back a little in order to let her stomach save room for some new foods, and once in a while try a bottle of water with ten percent juice in it. I believe the age for starting children on cow's milk is one, but ask your pediatrician.

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F.S.

answers from Tampa on

Hi S.,

My 9 month old daughter (07/07/07) did the same thing about a month or so ago. It was a sign for me to wean and although it was hard, it became blatantly obvious it was ME who didnt want to wean- not her.

She is doing great now and eats EVEYTHING I put in front of her. She is off the chart on her weight and height and both her and I are now sleepiong better through the night.

It all comes down to individual choice so you will make the right decision no matter what you end up doing- good luck!

F.

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M.B.

answers from Tampa on

Hi, S.

This is a common stage for breastfed babies to go through as they learn about these new things in their mouths. It's also a question we hear a lot at the Nursing Mommies Support Group at Morton Plant Hospital. The Lactation Consultant told us a trick that works great, although it goes against your natural instinct, which is to pull her off and further damage your nipple.

Instead, when the baby starts to bite, you say 'no' and gently pull the her face in to your breast. Since she has to breathe through her nose, the baby will release your nipple in order to take a breath through her mouth. The whole thing takes maybe 2-3 seconds and the babies generally learn pretty quickly to not bite any more.

I commend you for sticking it out and doing what's best for both your baby and you! Great job!

M.
(a bit surprised to be still breastfeeding an 18 month old with 14 teeth in & 2 more about to break through!)

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A.M.

answers from Tampa on

Don't stop trying!! Just as quick as it started, it stops. You may have to go through it a few times when they teeth (and I know it's a very frightful experience when your putting your sore nipple back in between those tiny little teeth). But it will be worth it!
Good luck, A. M

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M.B.

answers from Tampa on

Sometimes when babies bite, it is a sign that they are bored and they are ready to be weaned. have you tried reducing the amount of times you are breastfeeding in a day?

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