Surviving the Bite Phase: Tips for Handling Biting While Nursing

How to Handle Biting While Nursing: Tips for Surviving the Shark Bite Phase

If you’re nursing a baby and suddenly find yourself on the receiving end of a little “shark bite,” you’re not alone. Many breastfeeding parents experience this phase, often triggered by teething, boredom, or curiosity. While it can be a startling (and painful) experience, rest assured—it’s usually temporary and can be managed with a few strategies.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating biting while nursing.

Why Do Babies Bite While Nursing?

Biting during breastfeeding can happen for several reasons:

• Teething: Sore gums make babies look for relief, and your breast might seem like a good teether.
• Distraction: If your baby is easily distracted by their surroundings, biting might happen as they lose focus on nursing.
• Experimentation: Babies are curious! They might be testing what happens when they bite.
• Fullness or Boredom: Babies who are no longer hungry might bite as a way to signal they're done.

Understanding the cause can help you address the issue more effectively.

Tips for Managing Biting While Nursing

1. Stay Calm and Break the Latch
   If your baby bites, resist the urge to react dramatically (even though it’s tempting). Loud reactions can startle some babies, but others might find it amusing and repeat the behavior. Instead, calmly insert a clean finger between their gums to break the latch. Then, firmly but gently say, "No biting."

2. End the Session if Necessary
   If the biting continues, calmly end the nursing session. Place your baby down for a moment and try again later. This helps your baby understand that biting means nursing time stops.

3. Observe for Patterns
   Pay attention to when biting happens. If it’s near the end of a feeding, it might be a sign that your baby is full. If they’re teething, they might bite when their gums hurt.

4. Offer Teething Relief
   If teething is the culprit, try giving your baby a cold teething toy, a chilled washcloth, or a frozen fruit feeder before nursing. These can help soothe sore gums so they’re less likely to bite during feedings.

5. Nurse in a Calm Environment
   Distractions can lead to biting, so try nursing in a quiet, dimly lit space where your baby can focus.

6. Ensure a Good Latch
   A deep latch makes biting more difficult. If your baby’s latch is shallow, they might be more likely to bite. Check their positioning and make adjustments as needed.

7. Use Positive Reinforcement
   Praise gentle nursing behavior. You can say things like, "Good job being gentle!" to reinforce the behavior you want.

When Biting Becomes a Habit

If biting persists despite your efforts, it may be worth consulting a lactation consultant. They can help you troubleshoot latch issues or other concerns that might be contributing to the problem.

The Good News

Biting is usually a short-lived phase. With consistency and patience, your baby will learn that biting isn’t a part of nursing. In the meantime, give yourself grace, take breaks when needed, and remember—you’re doing an amazing job!

Have you survived the shark bite phase? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!

Bonus Tip: If you're experiencing significant pain or damage from biting, reach out to a healthcare provider or lactation consultant for extra support. Your comfort and breastfeeding journey are just as important as your baby's needs.