![]() Keep an eye out for signs of infection and see your GP if you start to feel unwell. If the bite breaks the skin on your nipple, this will usually heal quickly, but rubbing some breastmilk on the area might help. You can also try offering your baby something else to chew on before a feed, like a teething ring or something cold. But try not to get too cross, because some babies might think you’re playing a game, or it might frighten them. If your baby does bite, say ‘No’ calmly and firmly, and take your baby off your breast. If your baby isn’t actively feeding, you can take them off your breast to prevent them from biting. Gently take your baby off the breast before they have a chance to bite. If you see this sign, carefully break the suction by inserting your little finger into the corner of their mouth, between the gums. ![]() Sometimes babies look a bit cheeky just before they bite. Luckily, biting breasts is usually a passing phase. In this case, it might help to hand-express a small amount of breastmilk to trigger your let-down before you offer the breast. Some babies might bite because they can’t wait to start feeding and your let-down is a bit slow. It’s almost physically impossible for babies to bite while sucking, but they might find it fun to bite your nipple once they’re finished – particularly if they think you’re not paying them enough attention! Baby biting breast: causesĪs babies get older, they get more playful – and they get teeth. Play some relaxing background music, or feed in a rocking chair.Īnd if your baby seems unwell, treat your baby’s symptoms or take your baby to see your GP.įor help with working out why your baby is refusing the breast, talk to a lactation consultant or ABA counsellor.Try again later when your baby is more settled.Offer a feed when your baby is first stirring from sleep or just going to sleep.Or you can offer a feed when you’re in the bath together. Give your baby a breastfeed after their bath, when they’re warm and relaxed.Hand-express some milk into your baby’s mouth.Try a new feeding position – see our illustrated guide to breastfeeding positions.This might trigger your baby’s feeding instincts. Try some skin-to-skin contact with your baby.Trying to feed when your baby doesn’t want to might make things worse. Here are ideas for getting your baby on the breast. None of them means you have to give up breastfeeding. Most of these causes of breast refusal will either go away on their own or can be sorted out with a few simple changes to your routine. Your baby is full after having other foods or drinks.Your baby’s feeding pattern is changing.Your baby has had some feeds from a bottle.Your baby might have a strong preference for one breast.Your milk flow is faster or slower to let down than usual.Your milk tastes different, because you are taking medication, are experiencing hormonal changes, or have eaten something that you don’t usually eat.Your baby is distracted, which is normal in older babies.A blocked nose, sore mouth or sore ear can make feeding difficult for your baby. Breast refusal is often just a passing phase, which can be caused by one or more of the following: Now and then a baby will refuse the breast. If you’re having other issues with breastfeeding, you could check out our articles on sore nipples and nipple infections, mastitis and blocked milk ducts, how to increase supply, how to manage oversupply and engorgement and attachment techniques. This article covers breast refusal and babies biting the breast. They can also help you find a lactation consultant if you need one.Īn ABA counsellor can also help – phone the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 686 268 or use ABA LiveChat. Your midwife, child and family health nurse, GP or the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) can support you with breastfeeding your baby. Getting help for breast refusal and baby biting breast
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