he has teeth!!!

Is it like the beginning when you just have to take a little while to get used to it or once a biter, always a biter?  Both nipples are bleeding and super sore.  When he was first born, I felt like  I was going to lose a nipple but knew it probably wouldnt happen.  Now, I truely have that concern...he might bite it off!  Nick is only 7 months old and I really wanted to nurse until one year, but it is just out of hand.  Is there a way to break him of it, does the nipple just get more tough, or is it just a sign to stop?

[myenzoorka]

Biting is not something you'll get used to.  You need to break him of the habit.  It can be a frustrating and painful road to get there - but if you're determined to nurse the whole first year, it will be worth it.  When he bites, don't be afraid to let him know it hurts - a quick "ow!" will make him aware that he's done something you don't like.  If he bites again, unlatch him (in case you don't know how to do this, you just stick your finger inside his mouth to break the vacuum seal he has on the breast).  At that point, you should end the feeding.  Eventually, he will start to connect his biting with your "ow"s and the inability to nurse afterwards.  He'll learn that if he wants to nurse, he'll just need to stop biting.  It may take some time, but it even worked with my daughter who thought it was funny when I winced in pain and didn't seem to mind the taste of blood.  Also, use a lanolin cream on your nipples to help them heal faster in the meantime.  Good luck!!!!!

[chinesebones]

With dd I would say "OUCH!" loud enough to get her attention, immediately take her off the breast and say "No biting.  Biting hurts mama."  Then I'd wait 30 seconds before letting her relatch.  I admit, she cried during the wait (the girl loved to nurse) but learned quickly not to bite.  This was one of the few times I ever "let" her cry, but my maternal self-sacrifice did not extend to being someone's chew toy.  

[meiram]

The advice already given is what I had to do too.  I have to reinforce it with my son every time a new tooth begins to emerge.  They do have the ability to learn not to do it, but it may take some time and consistency.  I had the feeling that my son was doing it sometimes to see what my reaction would be, because he would look at my face immediately after biting.  

[allmymarbles]

Since he is seven months you can wean him. The first six months are the most important in any case. You might have a very hard time getting him to stop biting, given that he does it while nursing and not intentionally to hurt anyone. So don't bother trying.

[tiredbuthappy]

I would definitely at least try! While the first 6 months are the most important, it is the minimum recommended length of breast feeding. As moms, we shouldn't just strive to meet the minimum! That being said, obviously stop if it become too much of problem. But I wouldn't throw in the towel without even giving it a shot.

[feather2e]

Fionn was 4 1/2 months when he got his first teeth and I had an issue with biting.  Like the other posters said remove him from your breast and wait  a little before relatching. It took me about 3 weeks before he stopped and never did it again.

[DoulaSummer]

I agree with tiredbuthappy.  I think you have gotten some good advice so far.  I think all babies do this, not to hurt, but to just explore the new teeth.  They often bite themselves as well.  With my son, I would keep my finger next to his mouth and when he would bite I would insert my finger to break suction and pull him off and say "no biting" and wait 15 seconds.  It worked for us.  I have heard of another method in which when baby bites, gently press his/her face into the breast so she has to let go to breathe through the mouth.  Then wait the 15 seconds (30 seconds seems long to me, but maybe some babies need that?).

I don't agree with ending the feeding though.  It can cause problems that are just preventable.  Not to mention it can lead to a very unhappy baby which means an unhappy momma.

[kjbutcher]

Thanks everyone.  

[jenstam]

I have a biter, too. It's gotten so bad, I'm VERY afraid to nurse him! I cringe when I bring him to the breast, but, we continue. I have started to notice signs and will try to startle him but most times he thinks it's funny! I have now started to thank him and praise him when he decides to pull off nicely and he seems to understand that. I've also heard setting him immediately on the floor and ending the nursing session works. My son is a very social baby at 6.5 months and is always afraid he will miss out on something so I have also started to only nurse alone in a quiet, dim lit room. That has seemed to help somewhat as well. Good luck, I have considered weaning him as well but I'm going to continue to try to break him of his habit because I'm not ready to wean yet. I wanted to go at least 9 months but OUCH! He has drawn blood a few times too!

[mikaleen]

Saying "ow" and stopping the feeding for a short interval broke my older daughter of the habit.  I haven't had too much of a problem yet with my youngest, only a few episodes of gumming, but I know it's coming.  If you absolutely can't tolerate the biting and it gets to the point you really feel you need to wean, also keep in mind that you can continue to pump, and baby will still be getting breastmilk.  Really wanting to make it through that first year though will give you the patience and incentive to break the habit so you can improve your chances of nursing as long as you and baby would really like.  Good luck!

[kjbutcher]

ok so the biting has continued.  I do scream pretty loudly and it is not in an attempt to startle.  it is because it hurts darn bad!  I had to go buy a mega-padded bra yesterday because wearing a seatbelt now irritates my wounds!  I cringe at putting him to the breat, but I push on.  mine also thinks the whole things is hillarous!  sometimes it is a quick clamp (the ones that draw blood) and sometimes i see him look me right in the eye with that little twinkle in his and he bites down slowly until I feel it and am stuck.  oh that is just as funny to him.  I am glad one of us is enjoying this!

[DoulaSummer]

What have you tried?  Are you pulling him off the breast before breaking his seal?  That alone will cause its own injury.  I have a feeling if you take him off the breast immediately and wont allow him to latch on for a few seconds it won't be so funny.

[jenstam]

Does he bite EVERY time? Mine has stopped in the past few days. He has been pulling off nicely and each time he does that I smile, tell him "Thank You for being such a good boy and pulling off gently". I rub his head and just make it a really special moment. Could be coincidence, or could be that he is really getting the praise thing. Either way, I hope yours stops soon and that my boy doesn't restart because I know how awful it and how much it takes away from the joy of nursing when you cringe and feel scared every time they nurse! I try to watch his face for cues right away and sometimes I can see a certain twinkle in his eye! It has really helped by going to our bedroom alone and nursing in a quiet, dim room away from all distractions. Good luck!!

[Mumita]

The biting for my son was at a peak when he got his first 4 teeth, then after that he hasn't bitten me.  He used to do it when he got "bored" with sucking, or when he wasn't THAT hungry.  Then when he would bite I would yell "OUCH no Biting!" and pull him off. And he'd start crying and then I'd relatch and if he looked at me like he was going to bite me again I pulled up. Then he finall stopped after he learned that I was going to pull away if he did.
He'll get over it.