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When Your Baby Bites While Breastfeeding
What to do if your Baby Bites While Nursing
It is not uncommon as a breastfeeding mom to worry about your nursling biting even before they develop any teeth. Be reassured you can continue to breastfeed throughout teething and beyond. A baby may bite during feeds for various reasons. These can include teething, discomfort, distraction or fast milk flow. Read on for some helpful tips regarding what to do if your baby bites while nursing.
If your baby bites you at the start of a nursing session, they may have discomfort from erupting teeth. Offer your baby a cold teether prior to nursing to help numb their gums. A frozen washcloth can also be used. A baby may also bite at the start of a feeding session if mom has a fast or forceful let down of milk. To help remedy this feed your baby in a more upright position such as koala hold or football hold. You can also apply gentle compression with your hand above your areola to slow milk flow.
If the biting occurs at the end of a nursing session, your baby may be distracted or simply done feeding. To help with distraction try nursing in a dark, quiet room or while the baby is drowsy. Avoid having the tv on or looking at something else besides your baby. You can also wear a baby safe teething necklace during feeds to help keep your baby’s focus on the breast.
If you sense that your infant is about to finish the nursing session, take them off the breast before biting occurs. A baby that has an effective latch and is actively feeding will not be able to bite. The best way to prevent your baby from biting is by watching intently during the nursing session. If your baby appears disinterested or his sucking and swallowing slows, this may be a sign that your baby is done. Unlatch your baby at this point. Be sure to use your finger inside of your baby’s cheek to break the latch. Avoid pulling your baby off the breast.
If your baby does bite, there are a couple of things to do to discourage it from happening again. First, calmly remove your baby from your breast and say nothing. This should send the message that biting leads to ending the nursing session. Offer your baby a teething toy to bite on when you remove her from the breast. You can also calmly say something like “Okay. All done nursing.” Try to avoid yelling or wincing out loud. Depending on your child’s age this may either scare them into a nursing strike or if they are older, they may think this is funny and turn it into a game. Give your baby a few minutes to rest and try to offer the breast again.
If your child bites you and will not let go you can try to sneak your finger into their mouth and unlatch them by putting pressure on their gums with your finger. You can also try to pull your baby in close which makes it slightly more difficult to breathe which will in turn have them open their mouth and pull off the breast. Watch for any signs of nipple damage and treat your nipples as needed to avoid infection.
If you are having issues with biting during feeding sessions contact The Care Connection either by phone 716-725-6370 or by email at careconnection@hotmail.com to speak with one of our IBCLCs.
Baby in the NICU
There are many reasons as to why or how long a baby needs to be in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or “NICU”. Some babies only need to be monitored for a short period whereas other babies need extended stays. Either way, you can still provide your baby with the best nourishment possible, breastmilk. This is a contribution to the infant that only the mother can provide. If mom’s own milk isn’t available, donor milk is the next best option. There are many resources available to obtain donor breast milk. Ask your NICU staff or call The Care Connection so we may better direct you.
Each baby’s scenario is unique to them but if your baby was born preterm, or before 37 weeks gestation, they may have additional obstacles related to breastfeeding. Babies need to be able to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing to breastfeed. This typically happens around 32 to 35 weeks gestation. A preterm infant will not have as forceful of a suck. Therefore, mom may need additional stimulation to help increase milk volume. Frequent skin to skin care as permitted by the neonatologist is very important. Some infants as early as 28 weeks gestation may be able to lick expressed milk from mom’s nipple. Be sure to discuss when your baby can have oral feeds with your neonatologist.
Preterm breast milk is designed specifically to protect your premature infant for life outside of your womb. It has a higher concentration of calories, lipids, high nitrogen protein, sodium, chloride, potassium, iron, and magnesium compared to full-term breastmilk.
So, what can you do to encourage a full milk supply? Depending on your own health, it is ideal to start stimulating the breasts as frequently as your infant would, which is about 8-12 times every 24 hours. Using a hospital grade pump is highly recommended as this is one of the best ways to insure adequate stimulation in the early stages. Your NICU should be able to provide this pump for you but you may need to bring your own tubing/plastics with you at each visit. You will want to pump both breasts simultaneously for 15 minutes. Once milk has stopped flowing, try hand expressing to further empty the breast. This technique is very effective in helping to increase milk production. Warm, moist heat or a warm rice sock applied to the breasts prior to pumping can also help increase output.
Another key factor is to make sure your flanges fit well. An improper fit can negatively affect your milk supply and cause nipple trauma. Request to have your flange fit checked by a lactation consultant. Pain, pinching, or discomfort while pumping is not normal. Your nipple should move freely within the tunnel of the flange. If you have questions you can also get measured for the proper flange fit at The Care Connection.
Along with any other breastfeeding mother it is important to avoid things that are known to decrease your milk production. These things can include smoking, caffeine, birth control pills and injections, decongestants or antihistamines, and extreme weight loss diets. Excessive amounts of oregano, parsley, peppermint, and sage can also impact supply. Discuss any supplements or medications with your neonatologist prior to taking.
It is important for any infant, especially an infant in the NICU to avoid any possible bacterial contamination to breastmilk. This can happen with collection and storage. Prior to pumping wash your hands thoroughly including under your fingernails. Wipe your nipple area with water only (no soap). Plastic bags are not recommended for milk storage for preterm infants. Ask your NICU staff about the use of Snappies for milk storage. These are hard, plastic, leak proof storage bottles that are free of BPA. When milk collection is finished, wash all pump parts thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinse. Sterilize pump parts/collection bottles at least once a day. Be sure to label all expressed milk with labels printed from your NICU. If they do not provide you with labels make your own that includes your child’s name, date of birth, medical record number, and date and time of pumping. Check with your NICU staff about their current recommended storage guidelines.
Once your baby can start feeds at the breast, ask for a lactation consultant in the NICU to assist you in latching your baby to your breast.
Finally, having a baby in the NICU can be a challenging time for anyone involved so make sure to take care of yourself. Join support groups or speak to other NICU families. A follow up appointment with a lactation consultant after hospital discharge can also be very beneficial. If you have any questions or concerns or would like to speak to a lactation consultant contact The Care Connection by phone 716-725-6370 or by email at thecareconnectionlw@gmail.com.
Pacifier Use
Many mothers have questions or concerns regarding the use of a pacifier while breastfeeding. Pacifiers have long been used as a soothing technique for a crying baby. So why does this work so well and what complications can using a pacifier cause to breastfeeding? Let’s look at these issues below.
When a baby suckles, the hormone cholecystokinin is released into the intestine. Cholecystokinin is responsible for satiety and sleepiness, helping to soothe the infant. This hormone is released when a baby suckles on a pacifier or the breast. The first release occurs about 10 minutes after suckling and the second about 30 minutes after. Over use of pacifiers can result in missed hunger cues, missed feedings and inadequate weight gain.
Pacifier use can affect the initiation of breastfeeding. Many infants when placed skin to skin with mom, uninterrupted after birth will find the way to the breast on their own and begin to suck. Studies have also shown that the early use of a pacifier can reduce the frequency and duration of breastfeeding. Using a pacifier before 2 weeks of age and before breastfeeding is well established can result in ineffective suckling by the baby. Decreased stimulation to the breast results in decreased milk production. Early weaning or supplementation often occurs when a mom feels she has low milk supply.
If a pacifier is used, it should only be offered after about 3-4 weeks or until breastfeeding is well established. Some hospitals use pacifiers as a soothing technique for infants during painful procedures such as a circumcision.
The statement below is found in the Breastfeeding Policy by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“Given the documentation that early use of pacifiers may be associated with less successful breastfeeding, pacifier use in the neonatal period should be limited to specific medical situations. These include uses for pain relief, as a calming agent, or as part of structured program for enhancing oral motor function. Because pacifier use has been associated with a reduction in SIDS incidence, mothers of healthy term infants should be instructed to use pacifiers at infant nap or sleep time after breastfeeding is well established, at approximately 3 to 4 weeks of age”. If the pacifier falls from the infant’s mouth during sleep it does not need to be replaced.
Seek the assistance of a lactation consultant if you are having problems with your baby latching and sucking at the breast prior to introducing any artificial nipples or pacifiers. Often times a lactation consultant will recommend offering the infant a clean finger to suck on instead of using a pacifier. They can also counsel you on other soothing techniques that may work for you and your baby. Should you have any questions regarding the use of pacifiers and breastfeeding call The Care Connection at 716-725-6370 to speak with a lactation consultant.
I Wish I Knew: Common Tips from Breastfeeding Moms and Lactation Consultants
1. Take a breastfeeding class before delivery: Breastfeeding is a natural, healthy choice for mom and baby. Learning how to breastfeed can help you in your journey. Regardless if you’re a first-time mom, have had a negative experience, or you’ve never nursed before, a prenatal breastfeeding class will prepare you.
2. Breastfeed in the delivery room: Place your baby skin to skin after delivery. This will help regulate his body temperature, respirations, and glucose levels. Many babies will be interested in feeding shortly after birth and often find their way to the breast and latch! Early breast stimulation and skin to skin with your baby has a positive impact on your milk production. Remember your baby has a very small stomach capacity (about 1 teaspoon) so he does not require a large feeding. Your colostrum is all he needs at this point.
3. Learn to hand express: Learning this useful skill can help benefit both mom and baby. Studies have shown that early hand expression can also have a positive impact on milk production. See one of our previous blogs for details on this.
4. Latch is key: The position of your nipple and areola in baby’s mouth is very important for comfortable breastfeeding and removal of milk from the breast. If you are in pain get help asap!
5. Watch for hunger cues: rooting, hands to the mouth, tongue thrusting to name a few. Crying is a late sign of hunger. Offer the breast early and often. It is important to offer both breasts in the early weeks.
6. Feed your baby throughout the night at first: This helps bring about a good milk supply and assures that your baby gains weight appropriately.
7. Avoid skipping feedings especially in the early weeks: Frequent breast stimulation and removal of milk is key to establishing your milk supply. If milk is not removed this will signal your body to decrease production.
8. You don’t need a breast pump right away: Your baby is most efficient at emptying the breast. It is recommended your baby exclusively be at the breast for the first 3-4 weeks. As mentioned above frequent feedings help get breastfeeding off to a good start. You can focus on establishing a freezer stash of milk later. If you do require the use of a breast pump for a medical reason it is important to seek assistance of a lactation consultant to get you off to a good start.
9. Practice several nursing positions: these can include football, cross cradle, cradle, and side lying. Side lying can be a great position for mom to get a little rest while feeding baby. You will find what works best for you and adapt as baby becomes older.
10. Nutrition: Moms can often forget to care for themselves as they are busy caring for their baby. Try to keep a few snacks and bottle of water handy in areas where you nurse your baby or in a diaper bag.
11. Know your resources and have a support system: It is important to choose a pediatric provider for your baby that is supportive of breastfeeding. When choosing a provider for your baby research if they have a lactation consultant on staff. There are many support groups geared toward breastfeeding mothers including La Leche League, WIC, Baby Cafes, and Moms Morning Out at The Care Connection. Know who to direct your questions to before you have them. This can include a hospital lactation consultant, a pediatrician, or an outpatient lactation consultant. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Most of these professionals chose their careers to help moms just like you!
12. Don’t wait too long to offer a bottle: As mentioned above it is recommended to exclusively have your baby at the breast for at least the first 3-4 weeks. If you will be going back to work or will need to be away from home from time to time start offering a bottle weekly around 3-4 weeks. If you have questions and concerns about returning to work, offering a bottle, or pumping consider taking our Return to Work Pump for Success class here at The Care Connection.
13. Each mom is unique, and each mom has a different experience with breastfeeding: Do not get discouraged if your breastfeeding journey does not look like another mom’s. If you have questions or concerns reach out and speak with a board-certified lactation consultant.
Breastfeeding During Cold and Flu Season
With cold and flu season upon us many mothers have questions such as: “Can I breastfeed if I am sick, will I pass the illness along to my baby?”, “What should I do if baby becomes sick?”, “What medications can I take to help manage symptoms?” Let’s address some of these concerns below.
The most important thing you can do is to take preventative measures to avoid colds and the flu. Avoid any sick contacts, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Disinfect surfaces regularly around your home and work place. Be sure to wash your hands regularly. Most importantly, discuss with your doctor receiving the flu vaccine for yourself and your baby. The flu vaccine is safe for breastfeeding mothers and infants older than 6 months. Refer to the CDC website for further details regarding this.
Continue breastfeeding if you come into contact with the flu or have the flu yourself. The flu is not transmitted through breast milk. It is spread through respiratory droplets when a person coughs/sneezes/talks or if a person touches an infected surface then touches their mouth or nose. Your breast milk has antibodies that will protect baby from many colds and the flu. These antibodies destroy bacteria in a baby’s gut before they have the chance to make them ill. A baby’s saliva will enter a mother’s breast and can signal milk to change its composition to help fight illness.
If you become ill yourself keep your baby close by and try to nurse while lying down. This will allow you much needed rest. Be sure to increase your fluid intake as well. Always check with your doctor prior to taking any medications. Other good resources for safety of medications include the LactMed app or The Infant Risk Hotline (1-806-352-2519). If you are feeling too ill, express your milk to protect your supply and feed to your baby using a cup/syringe/bottle. Expressing your milk is also very important should the situation arise where mom and baby are separated. You can discuss with your doctor bringing your baby to you to feed in the hospital. It can be normal for mothers to experience a brief decrease in milk production during periods of stress or illness.
If your baby has a cold or the flu he can continue breastfeeding. Breast milk is ideal nutrition for him. If your baby is too ill to feed directly at the breast, a cup or syringe can be used to feed him or her your expressed milk. Withholding breast milk during periods of illness can increase the likelihood of your baby getting sick and deprives them of the comfort that comes along with breastfeeding. Very rarely is a supplement of water or juice needed when your baby is sick. Increase the frequency of feedings for your baby to help keep him or her hydrated. Speak with your pediatrician about treatments for your baby that may help cold or flu symptoms. However, if your baby is having decreased diaper output and is unable to keep feedings down contact your pediatrician.
If you are experiencing any difficulties feeding during times of illness please contact The Care Connection at 716-725-6370 and speak with one of our lactation consultants.
Breastfeeding After a Cesarean Birth
Presently one-third of babies born in the United States today are delivered by Cesarean or C-Section. This is a major surgery and can pose an extra set of challenges for moms to get breastfeeding off to a good start. We hope that the following tips will help you in your breastfeeding journey.
Many hospitals are improving skin to skin contact for moms and babies. If possible request that your baby be placed skin to skin in the operating room while your surgery is completed. Studies show that skin to skin contact can help stabilize baby’s temperature, respirations, glucose, and babies often feed better at the breast. Have a partner do skin to skin if mom is not able.
Breastfeed your baby as soon as possible after delivery, preferable in the recovery area if able. Breastfeeding early and often will help bring in a full milk production. Request help from the hospital lactation staff and/or your partner to assist with positioning. Position yourself first with pillows then have your support person help you get your baby in a comfortable position. Don’t hesitate to use plenty of pillows to support your baby and protect your incision. Football hold can be the most comfortable for moms after a C-Section birth as it keeps your baby away from your incision.
If you are separated from your baby or have difficulty getting your baby to latch in the hospital, request that a hospital grade breast pump be provided for you. Have the hospital staff educate you on its use. Early stimulation to your breasts will help bring about a healthy milk production. Should your baby need to be supplemented request that this be done via a cup or syringe and not a bottle. Discuss supplementation with your baby’s medical provider. Try to avoid the use of artificial nipples or pacifiers until breastfeeding is well established. Most moms feel their milk come in around day 2-6 postpartum. However, stress from surgery, pain, medications, and excess fluid can delay this process. Therefore, it is very important to seek support from a lactation consultant soon after delivery.
Your recovery postpartum will also be much different than a vaginal birth. A C-Section is major abdominal surgery. If possible plan on having your partner take an ample amount of time off work to help. An extra set of hands to assist you with positioning and lifting your baby will be very beneficial. In addition, your support person can prepare meals, do housework, and assist with various other needs you or your baby may have. It is also very important that you take pain medications as directed by your provider. Stress and pain can influence your milk let down and production.
If you’re having a scheduled cesarean birth you will have the option to discuss some of the above-mentioned issues with your physician prior to surgery. It is important that you discuss anesthesia, pain medications, skin to skin contact with baby, and having baby feed soon after delivery. Knowing that you and your physician have a plan in place will help ease your mind prior to surgery having a positive impact on your breastfeeding experience.
Should you have any concerns about having a C-Section and breastfeeding please contact The Care Connection at 716-725-6370 to speak with on of our lactation consultants.
Making Milk
Having concerns about your milk production and whether or not baby is getting enough are common especially in the early days. Here are some things that you can do to ensure a good milk supply and help you in your breastfeeding journey.
- Offer frequent feeds at the breast. Try to avoid supplementation with formula. The more often you stimulate the breast the more milk you will make.
- Remember that up until 6 months all your baby needs as a source of nutrition is breast milk. This is the current recommendation from The American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Feed your baby early and often. Be in tune with your baby. Watch for hunger cues such as sucking on hands, lip smacking, tongue thrusting, and rooting. Offer your baby the breast when you notice these cues. Crying is a late sign of hunger and may result in baby being fussy at the breast.
- Look and listen. This will help you know that baby is taking in milk from your breast. Watch for deep low jaw movement and listen for swallowing throughout the feed. You should be able to hear swallowing once your milk has come in.
- Try to avoid pacifiers and bottles for the first 4 weeks. By doing so baby will be at the breast more often and avoid nipple confusion or difficulty with latching/sucking. Sometimes early hunger cues can be missed if baby constantly has a pacifier. If your baby is having issues latching seek help from a lactation consultant before offering bottles/pacifiers/nipple shields.
- Room in with your baby. Rest while your baby sleeps. You can also try using the side lying position for nursing. This way you can rest and feed your baby concurrently. Frequent skin-on-skin contact will help keep baby alert for feeds and benefits your milk production.
- Latch and positioning helps to ensure a comfortable feed for you and good milk removal from the breast. Baby should have his mouth open wide like a yawn and lips flanged out. Position belly to belly with his chin touching your breast for a deep latch. Seek help sooner than later if you are having difficulty with either of these.
- Try to watch your baby and not the clock. Avoid strict timing and scheduling of feeds. Feed your baby when she’s hungry. Switch sides when you notice longer pauses between swallows or if baby takes herself off the breast.
- Lastly, don’t wait to ask for help. The longer you wait the more difficult it may be to solve the problem. Our lactation consultants are available to help with any breastfeeding concerns you may have. Call The Care Connection at 716-725-6370 to schedule an appointment or speak with a consultant.
Preparing for your Lactation Consultation
Here at the Care Connection we see mothers for a lactation consultation for many reasons. Concerns with milk supply, latching, supplementing, nipple pain, and positioning just to name a few. During your 1 hour one-on-one visit we can address feeding concerns and any questions you may have in a comfortable, private setting. At the end of your visit with us we provide you with a take home plan to best suit your needs. Below are a few recommendations to help you best prepare for your appointment with one of our lactation consultants.
1. Feeding: We recommend scheduling an appointment around a time when baby normally feeds. Or at the very least try to avoid giving baby a full feed within an hour of your consult. However, we realize that sometimes this can be difficult, and baby may not be on any predictable schedule. If baby is ready and eager to feed when you arrive we will address that first. If not, we will talk first and work on developing a plan, then work on getting baby to the breast.
2. Clothing: Please wear something that you are comfortable in (even if this means pajamas!). Nursing tanks, nursing bras, or a shirt that opens down in the front provides easy access for feeding or skin-on-skin with baby.
3. Equipment: If you have been using any tools to assist with feeding baby like a nipple shield or a bottle please bring them with you in case we need them during your visit. Also, if you have been exclusively pumping or pumping after feedings please bring you pump with you. This way you can empty your breasts after the consult if necessary. It is helpful to see what you have been using to assist with feedings and discuss what may work best for you.
4. Supplements: If you are currently giving baby any supplementation or have been advised by you pediatrician to do so please bring this with you should we need it during our consult.
5. Questions: Please write down any questions you may have and bring to your appointment. This allows us to be sure that we address all of your concerns in a timely manner. Our lactation consultants are also available by phone for any questions or concerns that may arise.
6. Significant other or support person: As long as you are comfortable, bringing a support person to your consult is fine! Sometimes this person can take down notes for you and may remember things that you forgot when you get home. The more support you have to continue your breastfeeding journey the better!
7. Siblings: If you have other children it is best to find someone to care for them during the 1-hour consult. If this is difficult for you, please bring along something quiet for them to do in the room while we are working with you and baby. Bringing along a snack for them works well too!
8. Follow up: Depending on the outcome of your visit we may ask that you come back in for a follow up appointment. This will be scheduled at the end of your visit to best suit your needs.
If you need a consultation, please call The Care Connection (716.725.6370) to set up an appointment. Your health insurance may even cover the cost! Call today to get scheduled.
Taking Care of Yourself
Being a mom of a newborn or just being a mom in general has its challenges. It is very easy for moms to put all of their time, energy, and focus on their children and forget about their own needs. It is very important to take care of yourself not only for you but for your children too. In celebration of Mother’s Day checkout these tips below on how you can improve caring for yourself.
1) Sleep. This may be one of the most challenging concepts for moms. In fact, you probably just laughed when you read that sleep was number 1 on the list. But it’s true. When you lack needed sleep it not only affects your physical health, but your mental health as well. This is why you hear the common phrase “sleep when your baby sleeps”. Sleep deprivation also raises your stress hormone, which can negatively affect breast milk production and let down.
2) Diet. Many moms forget about the importance of their own nutrition. Sometimes they tend not to eat as healthy while caring for a newborn or may skip meals altogether. Take advantage of the offered help from friends and family and ask them for healthy meals or snacks. It may help to keep healthy snacks around your breastfeeding “spot” so you can quickly grab some while nursing. Some good ideas for healthy snacks can include nuts, fruit, and cheese. It is also okay to occasionally splurge on one of your favorite less healthy snacks too. You deserve it! Some places offer grocery delivery if you and Dad are finding it difficult to get to the store.
3) Fluids. Along with diet, it is sometimes tough to keep track of your water intake. Treat yourself to a new water bottle if it means you will drink more water throughout the day. Keep your water bottle with you wherever you go. There are also many apps that you can use to help track your water intake throughout the day. For those moms that find it hard to drink plain water try adding some fresh fruit to change up the flavor.
4) Fresh air. Especially if you live in the Buffalo area you know the importance of getting fresh air. Take advantage of warmer weather and bring your baby for walks. For younger babies you may want to consider a strap on baby carrier or sling to keep baby close to you. In inclement weather try locating a mommy and me yoga class or perhaps a workout center that provides onsite child care. Not only will this help you get some good Vitamin D and exercise, getting some fresh air can help with your mental health too. Even if you are not up for taking a walk yet, just sitting outside is helpful.
5) Me time. In between feedings, have someone else look after your baby so you can get some time to yourself. In the beginning this could be just sitting outside alone, reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, or even taking a trip by yourself to grab those diapers you need. As you feel more comfortable take some time to do the things you enjoy. Go out to lunch with friends, go shopping, or get your hair and nails done. You may end up talking about your baby the whole trip and that is okay! Know that you are doing such a great job. You have dedicated your whole self to your children for the entirety of their lives. Don’t feel guilty spending time on yourself. We encourage it!
Stop by The Care Connection and checkout all of the treats we offer for moms from nursing bras, tank tops, lactation tea and snacks! We hope that you all have a very happy Mother’s Day!