Hello!

I’m sure I’m not the only one with tooth marks permanently embedded in my nipple, but does anyone have any secret weapon to stop the biting? Also, is there anything you have put on your nipple to help soothe and heal it?
Thanks in advance!


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  • My little did this though he grew out of it it wasn’t too bad


  • I was told to flick the baby’s cheek when they clamp down. I did it to two of my babies and it worked. However, try the maneuver on yourself first. It does hurt a bit and I probably wouldn’t do it again.


  • No advice other then to say your not the only one! I’ve had a massive gash for weeks that just won’t heal and every time I feed I’m cringing in pain. I do use a nipple cream to help though, Lansinoh. I find she mostly bites when she isn’t hungry and I’m trying to get her to feed, so trying to just follow her lead more. I just say a firm NO, but following for any other advice :)


  • Silicon nipple shields and Bepanthen or Lansinoh (the latter is what is given to new breastfeeding Mums in hospital.


  • I’m happy I stopped before the teeth popped out. Perhaps try pulling them off and say no firmly so they get the idea? I swore by lanolin gel when I had sore/cracked nipples. Hope some of the answers help you find a solution!


  • I thankfully never had an issue with nipple biting. It sounds like it would be very painful and uncomfortable


  • Agree with most of the other comments. Unlatch baby, tell no firmly (and why if you like), and if that doesn’t work, stop the feeding session. They soon get the message. I used a nipple cream when I was breastfeeding, but do air your nipples out, even if it is winter. I ended up with thrush (which thrives in moist environments). Not fun.


  • There’s no secret weapon, maybe trial and error – see what works for you; all bubs are different :)
    When my bub bit, I couldn’t help but yelp and then I’d just firmly say no, mama ouch! If he bit again, I’d put him down – they can think it’s a game and mum’s making funny faces… He’d either get upset and want to nurse/try again or move on. They eventually get the message.
    To soothe and heal; try lanolin or nipple balms.
    Good luck mumma!


  • I don’t have any advice about the biting (my little one hasn’t reached that stage yet) but with regards to healing your nipples I found a combination of Manuka honey wound gel from the chemist, and hydrogel pads worked miracles on my badly damaged nipples. Laniosh and breastmilk did nothing for me.


  • With healing, the best thing is a bit of expressed milk and fresh air to dry them off after feeding. My nipples were quite scabby and lacerated when I first started feeding my daughter, and that’s what the lactation consultant recommended. They healed within a couple of days. Other people recommended Lanisoh, but it didn’t work for me.


  • I had this issue with my daughter at around 8-9 months. The first time she made me yelp and I almost hit the roof! Lol. The next time she did it I gently took her off my nipple (break the seal with a finger gently popped in the side of babies mouth), I put her on the floor and said firmly, “no, that hurt Mummy”. Taking away her comforting boobie got the message across after one or two more nips. She used the boobie for comfort, so losing what she loved and seeing mummy’s upset face was a clear message.


  • Agh! I had this problem with baby #3, so painful and frustrating. I just kept putting my finger between his lips and my nipple then saying ouch hurting mummy… it took awhile but worked in the end. Good luck!


  • It can be a sign that your baby is teething, isn’t that hungry or wants to play. Stopping the nursing session is generally the most effective way to teach baby that nursing and biting do not go together.
    I found great support on a website called ‘kellymom’ when I was breastfeeding my kids. It has lots of helpful info in regards to breastfeeding ! https://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/biting/


  • I always used to take baby straight off the nipple (using your finger to unlatch them if needed) and firmly but calmly say something along the lines of “No that hurt Mummy. No biting”. Then let baby reattach but repeat until baby gets the idea. It usually doesn’t take more than a couple of goes and they realise they better not do it or you’ll keep interrupting their feed.
    Babies also sometimes do this if the breast is empty and it’s time to switch sides. The Australian Breastfeeding Association (call 1800686268) might also have some advice.


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