Have you ever asked why babies bite during breastfeeding and what can be done to prevent baby from biting?
If you beat baby for biting, that doesn’t mean they won’t do it again, if worse comes to worse, they’ll panic and stop sucking breast. Then you have another problem on your hands namely “my baby isn’t sucking my breastmilk”
Breastfeeding your baby when they have grown teeth, wasn’t programmed to be painful, since his tongue tends to cover the lower gum while he’s latched on to your breast and sucking. Meanwhile, your baby only uses his lower lips while sucking, the upper jaw is in a fixed position.
If your baby is not breastfeeding in a good position, this can cause him to bite.
5 Causes of Baby Biting During Breastfeeding
Here are some of the main reasons why babies bite while breastfeeding;
1. When a baby is suffering from an ear infection and/or cold, they may find it hard to suck, and this may make them bite harder to suckle.
2. Some babies bite just to see how the mother will react or what will happen.
3. Force of habit while latching on or leaving the breast after feeds.
4. For older babies, distraction while sucking can make a baby bite.
5. When babies fall asleep when they are latched on.
8 Ways To Prevent Your Baby From Biting While Breastfeeding
If you notice that your child is about to bite you, follow the following guidelines to avoid being bitten;
1. When your baby is sucking, put your little finger into the corner of his mouth, in between his gums. Distract your baby a little so he’ll end up biting your finger instead of your breast.
2. When your baby begins to bite, do not pull away from him suddenly. The force of pulling away might make him bite you harder on impulse, thereby making you even more sore.
3. When your baby bites, do not scream out loudly. If you do, he might panic and stop breastfeeding altogether. Or he might bite again to check if you’ll have the same reaction, it becomes a play for him.
4. After you are bitten by your baby, put your baby down for a while, so you can ease yourself of the pain.
5. Latch on your baby properly. If your baby is not properly latched on, this will cause him to bite you more. While nursing, try to maintain eye contact with your baby.
6. Offer him a teething toy or ring so he can chew on it.
7. If your baby bites because he’s distracted, breastfeed in a dark or empty room.
8. Know the reason why your baby bites if it’s cold or infection, talk to your doctor for suggestions on what to do.
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