Biting is and unfortuate side affect that does happen when breatfeeding feeding babies with growing teeth.  Some babies bite because the breast milk does not come quickly enough for their needs at that specific time.  Others bite when the milk flow is to  fast and strong.  Many babies bite because they are distracted by noises or talking and not getting the one on one attention that they crave. Some babies bite at the end of a nursing session when they have had enough and are just playing at the breast. Other babies bite when they are experiencing the pains of teething. Different babies seem to experience more discomfort than others when teething and sore gums may lead to biting, nipping, and refusal to breastfeed. A teething baby whose gums are hurting may like to bite and chew a bit while nursing. Giving the baby something hard and cold to chew on, or rubbing his gums before nursing may relieve your baby's teething pain.  If you feel your baby is experiencing a lot of pain, you may need to consult your health care provider about pain relief.  At times a babbies biting on a mother's nipple can leave little dimples.  These marks are not technically bites but they can be quite painful and cause nipple soreness over time.

A nipple that has been bitten by teeth can be treated in the same way as a sore or cracked nipple - a bit of breast milk can be placed on the affected nipple with a clean cotton pad.  Exposure to fresh air and prompt changing of damp nursing pads and or bras are also important.  Always consult you lactation professional, midwife, or doctor if the bite is severe and these measures do not promote healing, or if the area becomes red, inflamed or infected.

Try to analyze your breastfeeding session for clues to babies biting behaviors.  Watch your baby while he is nursing and if he just seems to be plagying at the breast, or begins to bite, break the suction and take him off straight away.  When breaking the latch try to use a clean finger and gently remove baby from breast.  Remove baby from breast each time he bites and wait a bit of time before returning him to the breast. You can also try to say, "Mommy is not for biting. You can bite this "Or a firm No biting' and taking him off the breast immediately. Try to avoid a loud noise or scream of pain because may either scare the baby, or amuse him, so he may try it again for fun. Sometimes, a baby who has been frightened by his mother's reaction to being bitten refuses to go back to the breast and may go on a nursing strike.