Biting the Breast that Feeds You

If you nurse for any length of time, sooner or later,
you're going to get bitten. Biting occurs from many
reasons. Learning why a baby bites and learning to
recognise when a baby is likely to bite can save a
nursing mother quite a bit of pain.

The most likely time for biting to occur is during the
first year, usually around the time when a child is
teething. Just about all teething toddlers will
experience a degree of discomfort when teething begins
and for some it can be quite a painful process. Just
about all babies try to alleviate the discomfort by
chewing down on something; your nipple is no exception.
The first instinct of many nursing mothers is to pull
the child away, however you'll ease the pain on your
nipple if you pull your child close to you and gently
insert your finder into the corner of your baby's mouth
to release the suction. Say 'No' to your baby in a firm
but calm voice and then - if not too painful - continue
feeding. If your child bites again, repeat the
procedure but suspend feeding for several minutes. Just
saying 'no' is usually enough to stop most babies from
biting again. Between feeds, give your child a carrot
or teething ring to chew down on. Patting your nipple
dry and applying modified lanolin will help sooth your
sore nipple.

Some babies let their mothers know they've had enough
milk by biting. This is more noticeable when mothers
are breastfeeding multiple babies. The problem usually
arises because a mother is holding on to both for the
same length of time. One child may finish sooner than
the other and wants to be released and so, bites.
Mothers tend to hold on to both babies because they
lack a free arm to detach one of the babies. Mothers
that are breastfeeding more than one child should
experiment nursing in different positions, leaving one
hand free, to be able to break suction and avoid being
bitten.

Babies learn about their world through play. Some will
take this play to your breast. If your baby is biting
you because of play then you should do as above; first
release your child and then tell them 'no' and explain
that they've hurt you. You should judge how severe you
should admonish your child; don't be too severe as your
baby may not want to suck your nipple again but is
important that you teach your child that your breasts
are not to be played with.

There's a little more psychology involved when older
children bite; they're usually trying to tell you
something. It may be as simple as your child telling
you that they want to be weaned. Oftentimes the reasons
are more complex. Children can bite you if they are
upset or feel hurt in some way. If an older child is
biting you for the first time, ask yourself what has
changed in your child's life to make him feel upset.
Often the introduction of a new sibling can make a
child feel rejected. Jealously is a powerful emotion.
Previously a child had its mother's undivided attention
but now finds that they have to share. If your child
can talk, try to coax out the problem. Children don't
often give a truthful answer to a direct question so
you're better off guessing what the problem is and
asking them if that is the reason why they're biting.
So, don't ask: Why are you biting? Instead ask: Are you
angry with me? A child will usually stop biting after
their fear or concern has been aired.

Your child may bite simply to get your attention.
Babies want eye contact when they are at the breast and
will get upset if they notice mother's attention is
elsewhere. They may feel especially resentful if mother
is talking to others; many babies instinctively know
that breastfeeding is their special time spent with
mother. Biting can usually be eliminated if mother
gives her full attention to her child during
breastfeeding. Looking at her child also allows a
mother to recognise when her child may be about to bite
her, thus giving her time to take avoiding action.

Some children also bite if they slip or feel they are
about to. Always make sure your baby feels comfortable
and secure. Some children also bite when they fall
asleep at the breast. If you find this is happening,
simply finish feeding before your child falls asleep.

Just about every nursing mother will be bitten at some
stage. But most children don't bite very much and
quickly learn to stop; mother's wouldn't breastfeed if
biting was more than an occasional occurrence. Learning
to recognise when your little darling is about to bite
and knowing how to deal with a bite are skills that
every breastfeeding mother can quickly master.

Article Source: http://www.pottytrainingarticles.net

Robin O'Brien is founder of breastfeeding information. Get advice on breastfeeding in public and what nursing bra to buy.

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