One of the challenges that are often experienced by breastfeeding mothers is that babies like to bite while feeding. The pain and blisters that are caused often make it difficult for breastfeeding mothers to give breast milk. To overcome this, there are several ways that can be done.
Babies like to bite while feeding usually occurs when he is or has teething. Even though it's normal, the baby's habits certainly make many breastfeeding mothers feel uncomfortable. However, this problem can be overcome by first identifying the cause of the baby's habit of biting while feeding.
Causes Babies Like to Bite While Breastfeeding
There are several reasons why babies like to bite while feeding, including:
Teething process
When a baby is teething, his gums will feel itchy. This makes the baby look for ways to reduce pain and itching in his gums. One of the ways he does this is by biting his nipples while feeding.
Wrong attachment
Incorrect attachment is characterized when the nipple is between the baby's gums or teeth, without being covered by the tongue. This makes the nipple prone to biting when the baby loosens the sucker or changes position.
His attention is diverted
As he gets older, the baby's focus will be more easily distracted. When something catches his attention, the baby will reflexively turn his head so he doesn't accidentally bite the nipple.
Being sick
When you have a fever or have an ear canal infection, your baby may find it more difficult to suck and swallow. This can cause the baby to accidentally bite the nipple.
Milk flow is too slow
Babies like to bite while feeding can be caused by a slow flow of milk, making them impatient, especially if they are hungry.
In addition to some of the reasons above, baby biting while breastfeeding can also occur when the baby feels bored, sleepy, wants attention, or just wants to play.
How to Overcome Babies Like Biting While Breastfeeding
There are several ways to deal with baby biting while feeding, including:
1. Don't overreact
When you bite your nipple, you may startle and suddenly scream. This reaction can also make your little one startle, then cry and refuse to breastfeed again.
The way to deal with it is to take a breath and stay calm. Tell her slowly that biting is causing you pain and that she shouldn't do it again. Even though your little one doesn't necessarily understand what you are saying, he will understand from the movements you make.
2. Remove the breasts
When your nipple is bitten, you definitely want to retract your breast as soon as possible. However, this can actually make the nipple more attractive.
To release the breast, slide your finger in the corner of the baby's mouth, then slowly release the nipple. You can also push your little one to the chest, briefly pressing his face to the breast that covers his nose and mouth. This method automatically makes him open his mouth and release the suction.
3. Massaging baby's gums
If your little one bites because he is teething, massage his gums with a clean finger. You can also give your little one a toy teether before or after breastfeeding to relieve itching of the gums.
4. Breastfeed in a quiet place
Breastfeeding in a quiet place can reduce various things that can distract your little one while breastfeeding. When breastfeeding, you can give your full attention by making eye contact and talking to her.
When your little one starts to sleep, you can try to slowly release the breast from his mouth.
5. Blushing before feeding
If your little one bites because the flow of milk is not smooth, you can try to massage the breast before giving milk. You can also express briefly so that the milk flows, so your little one doesn't have to struggle while feeding.
Babies like to bite while feeding is normal. However, it is important to take steps to overcome it so that it does not become a habit and you are more comfortable when breastfeeding.
However, if you are already experiencing sore nipples or sore nipples, you can treat them by applying a special cream, using a cold compress, or breastfeeding on the part of the breast that is not painful.
If the pain in the nipples caused by the baby biting while breastfeeding doesn't go away or the baby still bites when breastfed, you can consult a doctor or a lactation consultant to find out the causes and solutions.
