Biting!!! Any tips???

[Renee'sMum]

Renee has started to 'clamp down' while feeding. If I let it go, after a few seconds she starts sucking again...usually.  She basically does it when she is done eating. I have tried pulling her off and saying "No biting! That hurts mommy!" And then not allowing her to latch on for a few minutes.  She is just over 6 months old, has no teeth.  I have been doing this for about 3-4 days now, but she continues to do it.  Is this a sign to stop breastfeeding? 

[RachelC]

No, this is not a sign to stop breastfeeding.  You said that she basically does this when she is done eating.  When she bites, I would take her off, repeat your phrase and stop the feeding there.  Wait until the next feed to give her more.  She could be teething, be sure to offer things to help her ease the pain at other times (icy washcloth, teething toys, etc)

[Renee'sMum]

She does have lots of things to chew on. I have been using the icy washcloth--that's a good one!  She has been showing signs of teething for about 2 months!!  How long do you think I should continue?  1 week? 2 weeks?  I want to deal with now BEFORE she has teeth!!! 

[RachelC]

I would keep doing it.  She should learn the idea that "I bite, no more milk".  Just don't give in    If she bites, stop the feed and move on.  Perhaps she is telling you "I'm done eating now"

[Mrs. Gravy]

I found my son would bite when he wasn't really into feeding.  I usually feed on demand, but if it's been a couple hours since he last ate, I'll offer the breast even if he isn't "demanding" it.  If he wasn't really hungry or not interested in nursing, that's when he would bite.

I've also been told that when they bite to pull them INTO your breast.  Having their face smushed up against you will cause them to open their mouth automatically.  I've never tried it because my first instinct is always to try and pull baby off!

[Renee'sMum]

I've also been told that when they bite to pull them INTO your breast. Having their face smushed up against you will cause them to open their mouth automatically.

I don't think smothering Renee is the answer!!  You're right!  Sounds a little strange!

[squeaky's mum]

Sophie did this when she was teething. I wasn't bothered until she got her teeth and i got a nasty bite!! Then i just ended the feed when she did it after that. She hasn't done it for a while.

[robynfuller]

I just went through the same thing, it was very eina, I was advised by the ladies on the site here to try to not anticipate it and pull her off breast till next feed, I was also tensing up and anticipating it, my dd also got a kick and giggles out of the fact that I said OUCH, so I think she did it maybe to get moms reaction, after a few days I relaxed and now she doesnt do it anymore, you can also keep your pinky finger ready and slip it into her mouth when lo clamps down - I found this helped alot. She is also teething and has been for about 2 months aswell, good luck to you.

[jbepko]

so guess what my funny LO has started! he's 10.5 months with no teeth and no signs of teeth at all and he's a popper while feeding- on, then off, on, then off (its his style). So this am and just now, once he was done with one side, he pops off, grins at me and goes back on and then pulls (not biting), releases...then grins. Both sides! It doesn't hurt, but certainly don't want it to become a habit.....he kind of looks at me with that utterly cute but mischievous grin (and I had to restrain myself from laughing). So I am going to ignore and see what happens!