Vampire baby! How to Deal With Your Baby Biting You During Breastfeeding
Who wants their baby to bite their nipples? Not me!!
Unfortunately, biting during breastfeeding happens to most parents at least once, especially when teeth begin to come in. It is usually temporary and can be managed with calm, consistent responses.
Why babies bite
Teething discomfort
Distraction
Curiosity about your reaction
Near the end of a feed
Playing instead of actively feeding
What to do if your baby bites
Stay calm. Try not to yell or react strongly, as this may interest the infant testing your reaction again. But friend, I get it - I'd yelp too, if someone bit my nip.
Break the latch gently by placing a clean finger in the corner of the mouth to break the seal.
Say your catchphrase (more on that below!) calmly and firmly
Pause the feeding for 10-30 seconds before trying again. Some parents find it helpful to briefly put the baby down or at least turn them away from the breast on their lap for a few moments before offering the breast again.
Why a "catchphrase"?
By the age of biting, your baby can likely understand a bit of cause and effect, at least in a way. By using a phrase that is only used in this situation, and pairing use of the phrase with ending the feed briefly helps baby put it all together: "I want milk. Milk goes away when I hear that phrase. That phrase comes when I bite". Praise your baby when they latch deeply. '
What if I'm about to lose it??!?!?!
Every parent gets to the very end of their rope sometimes (maybe lots of times!) and especially when experiencing physical pain, a bite can really set you off. It is ALWAYS ok to take a moment to yourself when you feel like you're going to snap. Put your baby down somewhere that they are safe (maybe in their crib?) and step into another room for a few deep breaths until you feel in control of yourself again. You can do this, and it is hard. It's the hardest, and best, job you'll ever have.
How to prevent biting
Watch for warning signs (slowing down, turning away, smiling while latched). Remove your baby before they clamp down.
Offer a teether before feeding if teething.
Feed in a low-distraction environment.
Ensure a deep latch; babies cannot bite while actively sucking with a proper latch.
If your skin is broken
Rinse with clean water.
Apply expressed breast milk and allow to air dry.
Monitor for redness, swelling, fever, or increasing pain.
Reach out if biting continues, latch is difficult, you are starting to dread feeding or healing is not progressing. Most biting phases are brief and resolve with consistent handling. Hang in there!
Written by Hillary Maguire, IBCLC
Hillary Maguire is an IBCLC practicing in private clinic, community healthcare and volunteer settings in and around Waterloo Region, Ontario Canada. Hillary practices with an evidence-based approach that centres the client’s infant feeding goals and prioritizes the overall wellbeing of the family unit. Hillary is known for her candour, sense of humour and ability to translate medical information to understandable tidbits. Hillary has a particular interest in helping first-time parents navigate the establishment of their milk supply and “get to the good part” of infant feeding and parenting. Hillary has worked in multiple settings where tongue-tie releases are performed and has helped hundreds of families navigate the process of diagnosing, preparing to release, treating, and rehabilitating tongue tie with their infants and small humans. Hillary can help with issues like low milk supply, nursing pain, recurrent mastitis, infant oral skills assessment, infant weight concerns, allergy concerns, and breastmilk pumping.
