Although it is annoying for mothers, there are many reasons why babies bite when they suckle. He did this probably because he was growing teeth or as a form of protest because he felt that you didn't get your attention. Hayo ... What do you usually do while breastfeeding? Play a cellphone, chat with other people, or just steal a nap? The focus of the mother who is split while breastfeeding is considered the baby not paying attention to them.
In addition, the baby's habit of biting during breastfeeding may be because he is sleepy and eventually falls asleep or is sick with a cold or an ear infection which makes it difficult for him to swallow. The wrong breastfeeding position can also make the baby bite the mother's nipple.
In order for the breastfeeding session to run smoothly for the mother and baby, consider the following tips to prevent and treat babies who like to bite during breastfeeding.
Tips to prevent the baby from biting when feeding
It is important not to reflex scream even if you are shocked and in pain when your child bites your nipples. This will only surprise your baby, making him refuse to breastfeed again.
Instead, try applying the following options:
1. Stay calm
Try to stay calm while making eye contact with your child. Use a soft tone and invite your child to talk so he knows you should not bite while you are breastfeeding, even though he may not really understand your point.
You can also release the breast slowly out of the baby's mouth and justify his position again
2. Find the right position
In fact, the wrong position of breastfeeding is one of the triggers of why the baby bites while feeding. For that, try to find a position like what most makes your child comfortable during breastfeeding.
Try leaning your back on a thick pillow, then place the baby on your stomach to suckle. Another way, just lie on your side and position your body parallel to the baby. Then point the baby's head to the breast with your body slightly curled up.
3. Pay attention to the baby while breastfeeding
Paying attention to recognizing their habits while breastfeeding, will make it easier for you to know when your child is likely to start biting your nipples. Sometimes, the baby will bite when the hunger and thirst have subsided enough, but not infrequently also will bite at the end of the breastfeeding session.
If you begin to understand the habits, you can give a little "bait" to distract him - for example by putting one of your fingers toward the baby's suction.
4. Breastfeeding in a dim place
As previously explained, your child might bite the nipple while feeding because of the stimulation from the surrounding environment that caught his attention. If he does this many times, try occasionally feeding him in a dim room with minimal lighting. The goal is to focus the baby while breastfeeding is not easily distracted from other things.
5. Gently massage the gums and cheek area
This method can be done while in a teething period. Usually, these moments often make the baby uncomfortable and tend to be more fussy, sometimes even accompanied by fever.
Well, if this makes it bite your breast to express the pain, try to massage the gums and the cheek area with care while breastfeeding. Another option, you can give toys to divert their attention a little before or after breastfeeding.