Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC

Not all babies bite and the ones that do learn pretty quickly that mama does not like it and stop. If you’re part of the lucky few that does have a baby shark don’t worry mamas! Biting down at the breast is almost always temporary. With patience, time and support your breastfeeding journey doesn’t have to come to an end. Check out our expert tips to keep your baby from chomping down and get you back on track with breastfeeding pain free! 

Why does my baby bite down when nursing? 

Teething 
Every baby is different, but generally babies will start to cut their first tooth between 3 months and 12 months. During this time, baby’s gums can get sore and the pressure of biting down can bring them relief. Freeze a washcloth dipped in breastmilk and before nursing let baby chew on it. Breastmilk triggers the production of endorphins, a natural pain numbing effect. The anti inflammatory properties in breastmilk may also help reduce soreness and pain. Wrap your finger around the cold washcloth and softly massage the gums providing counter pressure before nursing. Massaging the cheeks and ears from the outside can also help soothe pain. These techniques can relax baby before nursing and they will be less likely to bite down. 

Sometimes teething can result in a shallow latch which overtime can make nipples tender. Try “breast shaping” and compression when nursing to better position the baby on the nipple. Using lying back breastfeeding and dangle feeding can help your nipple go deeper into the baby’s mouth. 

Baby not feeling well 
Other reasons babies might bite down when nursing could be because of a sickness like a cold, ear infection, sinus pressure, headache, or a stuffy nose. If baby has nasal congestion, use a mucous removal tool, like a nasal bulb or the NoseFrida, to clear baby’s nasal passage before nursing. Use breastmilk or saline water to moisten the inside of the nostrils before suctioning to make the process less irritating. Nursing your baby in an upright position, straddled on your lap, or using a sling or carrier can help make the airway stay clear and make breathing easier.

Oral Restriction
Sometimes newborns will clamp down when nursing at the breast. It doesn’t always mean there are oral restrictions but it could be an indicator. Oral restrictions can vary and can come in the form of a tongue tie, lip tie, and buccal tie (these ties can be found on the inside of the cheek). The shape of the palette and tongue can also influence how a baby will nurse at the breast. If your baby continues to clamp down when nursing, work closely with your pediatrician and connect with your local International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, IBCLC for a thorough breastfeeding consultation to determine the cause of the issue and develop a plan for resolution. 

Forceful Letdown 
If mom has a forceful letdown this can also cause a baby to clench down on the nipple. Using nursing positions that are counter gravity can slow the overactive letdown and baby will be able to manage milk flow easier. Nursing lying back with baby’s body flat directly over you or sitting baby upright to nurse can slow the flow, allowing baby the rhythmic suck and swallow necessary for nutritive feeding. In addition, hand expressing first or pumping for 5 min prior to nursing sessions can help baby latch on easier and slow forceful letdown too! 

What else can I do to make baby stop biting? 

No matter the reason for biting it can be painful. Try not to scream! Instead, put your baby down in a safe place and leave the room. It’s important to know a baby that is actively nursing can not physically bite down on the breast. Babies tend to bite down towards the end of a feeding, when distracted, or not interested. Watch your baby closely when nursing and end the nursing session before baby has the opportunity to bite down. Babies are pretty keen at sensing our body language and behavior. Talk to your baby often when nursing. Tell your baby things like “we don’t bite mama” or “biting hurts mama, outchy.” Babies look for facial expressions to communicate. Be expressive with your emotions when you talk to your baby. Smile and positively reassure your baby when latch on happens carefully and smoothly. 

Managing Nipple Pain and Milk Supply
If baby’s biting has your nipples sore, caused abrasions, or cuts be sure to treat them to prevent infection. Air dry as much as possible and wash with non antibacterial soap in the shower. Applying a cool hydrogel can soothe sore nipples and keep them healthy. For deeper cuts and abrasions temporarily applying a mupirocin, prescribed by your doctor, can help speed up healing and avoid infection. Small amounts on the nipples do not need to be wiped away before nursing. Always remember mamas! Your doctor is always a quick call away if something doesn’t seem right. 

If nursing directly at the breast has become too painful, pump to maintain your milk supply. Use the slow 38 cycle steady with the Spectra breast pump S1/S2 and lubricate the tunnel well with breastmilk or olive oil to prevent friction and further discomfort. Be gentle on your breasts and nipples. Use massage and compression to stimulate more effective letdowns allowing for less time on the pump. 

Remember you and your baby are a dyad. You are one. Your baby will learn quickly biting hurts mama and they will stop. Your baby loves you and doesn’t want to knowingly hurt you! You’re an amazing mom and your baby thinks so too.

References

Nishitani S, Miyamura T, Tagawa M. et al. The calming effect of a maternal breast milk odor on the human newborn infant. Neurosci Res (2009) 63(1): 66-71

In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2018 Oct 31.

http://www.nancymohrbacher.com/breastfeeding-resources-1/2016/6/10/your-breastfeeding-baby-is-biting-you

By Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC

Your maternity leave might be coming to an end soon and instead of doing your typical trek to the office you now find yourself prepping for a new normal...working from home. Will your baby be home while you’re working? Will you be pumping during your work day? No matter your situation, with some flexibility and planning you can continue to meet your breastfeeding goals. 

Childcare
Let’s start with the most important question. Who will be caring for your baby? Will you be home alone and caring for your baby while you work? Will your baby be going to daycare? Depending on your childcare options pumping and nursing can look a little different. If baby will be home with you and nursing at the breast has been going well so far, holding off on a pumping schedule all together may be your best bet! If nursing at the breast is not an option, double pumping every 2-3 hours while you are working is going to help keep up your milk supply to meet the needs of your growing baby. 

Prioritize Your Pumping Schedule 
Juggling back to work and mommy-ing can be hard at first but it’s all about routine! Make sure to plan your pumping breaks. Set alarms and block out times on your calendar to allot for pumping. It can be tempting to tame the laundry monster during breaks but stay focused and reserve this time for ONLY pumping. Keep a pretty nursing cover nearby, so if you do need to take a virtual call or meeting while pumping you’re ready to go! Our pumps are quiet and discreet. Your co-workers will never know you are multitasking. 

Setup a Mobile Pumping Station
If you will be pumping from home during your work day, creating a mobile pumping station can help you stay organized and make pumping a lot easier to squeeze into your busy day! An art cart or portable plastic drawers will work well. Load up your mobile station with all your pumping essentials: Spectra baby USA pump, parts and accessories, milk storage bags, and even a small cooler kit to temporarily store your pumped milk. Add yummy dry snacks and remember to stay hydrated. Creating a mobile pumping station will save you time and allow you the mobility to move around the house to find a quiet place to help you relax while you pump. It especially comes in handy if you have others working from home or in virtual school, where space is sometimes limited and working areas can change throughout the day. 

Caring For Your Accessories 
Take advantage of your clean personal pumping space! It will be pretty sweet to not worry about where to clean your pump accessories or having to store your milk in a stinky work fridge. CDC recommends washing all pump parts that come into contact with your breast milk in warm soapy water after every use. It will be easy to keep them squeaky clean and ready for your next pumping sesh! Keep extra accessories on hand especially duckbills and backflow protectors. We recommend replacing these accessories every 6-8 weeks depending how often you are pumping. Bonus tip: Assembling your accessories in advance can save you precious time!

Communication 
During these strange pandemic times, something positive that has surfaced is employer flexibility. Companies have had to adapt to unlikely conditions like employees virtually schooling and caring for children at home while working. Employers are now more likely to accommodate flexible and even non traditional working hours. Start the communication now with your employer if you think a different schedule will make you more focused and productive. You’re a valuable asset to your organization mama! Speak up! You might be pleasantly surprised at the response. 

Staying Connected 
Working from home definitely has its perks and can help make the transition back to work easier but it can be lonely at times. Be kind to yourself and care for your physical, mental and emotional well being. Ask for help if you need it mamas and if you need breastfeeding advice reach out to our team of Spectra baby IBCLCs. Join our virtual support groups on Facebook and keep yourself engaged with other breastfeeding mamas just like you! 

We believe in you and we know you are totally going to rock working from home and breastfeeding!