Breastfeeding can be a fulfilling experience, but nipple biting is a common and often painful challenge. This issue can cause discomfort and frustration for parents. Understanding how to address and prevent these bites is essential for maintaining a positive breastfeeding journey.
Soothing and Healing Bitten Nipples
If a baby bites during breastfeeding, the first step is to gently unlatch them. Rather than pulling the baby away, which can worsen nipple damage, insert a finger into the corner of their mouth to break the suction. After a bite, applying a cold compress can help reduce pain and swelling.
To promote healing, apply breast milk to the nipple after feeding, as it contains healing properties. Allowing nipples to air dry between feedings is also beneficial. For relief and protection, purified lanolin or hydrogel pads can be used, which aid healing and protect against friction. Maintaining proper hygiene, such as changing damp breast pads promptly, helps prevent infection. If the pain is severe, expressing milk temporarily and feeding it to the baby by cup can provide a rest for the nipple while it heals.
Understanding and Preventing Bites
Babies may bite for several reasons, often related to their developmental stage or feeding experience. Teething is a common cause, as the pressure of biting can soothe sore gums, particularly between 3 and 12 months of age. Babies might also bite when seeking a faster milk flow or if frustrated by a slow let-down. Distraction or boredom during a feed can also lead to biting, especially in older babies who are more aware of their surroundings.
Biting can occur if a baby is falling asleep at the breast or is no longer actively feeding. An improper or shallow latch also contributes, as the nipple is not positioned deeply enough to be safe from their gums or teeth. Playful exploration is another reason, as older babies use their mouths to investigate. Additionally, a baby feeling unwell, such as with a cold or ear infection, can make proper suckling difficult, leading to bites.
Preventing bites involves observing the baby’s feeding cues and adjusting techniques. Ensuring a deep and proper latch from the start is important, as a baby cannot bite effectively if their tongue covers their lower gum ridge and the nipple is far back in their mouth. Watch for signs that a bite might occur, such as a change in sucking pattern, jaw clenching, or distraction. If these signs appear, unlatch the baby before a bite happens.
Offer a cold teething toy or a chilled, damp cloth before feeding to alleviate gum discomfort for teething babies. Adjusting feeding positions can also help; for instance, trying a different hold might shift pressure points on the breast. If milk flow is a concern, hand-express a small amount of milk before latching to stimulate a faster let-down. Maintaining a calm and quiet feeding environment minimizes distractions, encouraging the baby to focus on nursing.
When to Seek Support
While many instances of nipple biting can be managed at home, professional support is beneficial in some situations. Consult a healthcare provider for persistent pain that does not improve with home remedies. Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus draining from the nipple, or a fever, require medical attention.
Seek professional guidance if the nipple develops cracks or bleeding that does not heal, or if there is tissue damage. If biting continues despite consistent prevention strategies, a lactation consultant can identify underlying issues, such as latch problems or milk flow concerns. A doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant can provide personalized advice and support for a comfortable and sustainable breastfeeding journey.