“Help! Ever since my daughter got her first two teeth, she bites me during breastfeeding. She thinks it’s a game, but it’s become so painful that I’m bleeding. What should I do?” ~ Rachel P.
It seems like you might have a little munching machine on your hands, and those tender breasts of yours are bearing the brunt! While your little one doesn’t mean to inflict pain, they may not yet understand that biting hurts. At this stage, they’re likely just seeking your attention, which they quickly learn can be a powerful motivator.
Initially, those bites may have been accidental—perhaps your baby was experimenting with teething or just testing out their new teeth. However, it sounds like they’ve realized that your reaction to their biting can be quite entertaining! The good news is that babies can’t suckle and bite at the same time. Once they discover that biting leads to no milk or comfort, they may choose to suckle instead.
Addressing the Biting Behavior
To protect your sore nipples, it’s essential to address the biting behavior immediately. Each time you start a feed, ensure that your baby opens wide and latches properly—this helps position their tongue between their teeth and your breast, reducing the chance of bites. If they do bite down, gently break their hold with your pinky to minimize further damage, and calmly say, “No biting. Biting hurts Mommy.” Avoid giving them a strong reaction, as that’s what they’re after. Instead, calmly offer them a teething toy, like their favorite Sophie, saying, “This is for biting,” in a friendly tone.
Resources for Expecting Families
For those considering starting a family, resources like Vegas Pregnancy can help with free sperm donor matching in Las Vegas. If you’re exploring at-home insemination, check out Make a Mom for their unique reusable syringe kits. You can learn more about how this process works on their how it works page. Additionally, for more insights into fertility treatments, March of Dimes is an excellent resource worth exploring. For tips on comfort during this journey, you might want to read about pregnancy pillows that can help ease discomfort as you prepare for motherhood.
Lastly, if you’re seeking expert opinions, you can find valuable information on this topic at Modern Family Blog.
In summary, while breastfeeding can sometimes come with challenges—like biting—understanding your baby’s behavior and addressing it calmly can help. Remember, they don’t mean to hurt you, and with a bit of patience and guidance, you can both enjoy this bonding experience.
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