What to Do If Baby Is Pinching, Scratching, or Biting During Breastfeeding
Baby may pinch, scratch, or bite while breastfeeding for a variety of reasons, including trouble getting milk, for comfort, or because they’re full.
Covering Baby’s hands or giving them a toy can help prevent uncomfortable touching, while biting may be stopped by addressing Baby’s teething pain or helping them relatch comfortably.
Breastfeeding can be frustrating, so don’t forget to seek support when you need it!
If you breastfeed your baby, you may experience them occasionally pinching, scratching, or biting your breasts as they feed. While it can be uncomfortable, this is very common for babies to do! Read on to learn why Baby may pinch, scratch, or bite during breastfeeding, and what you can do to help reduce it.
Why is Baby pinching, scratching, or biting during breastfeeding?
Pinching or scratching is usually seen more in older babies as they explore the world around them and develop fine motor skills (like the pincer grasp). Biting may be more frequent (and more painful!) during teething, which can start as early as 3 months and last until Baby’s early toddler years. Here are common reasons Baby may pinch, scratch, or bite you while feeding:
To decrease/increase milk flow: Baby may bite to slow down milk flow at the beginning or end of a feed, while scratching or pinching can happen when Baby is trying to stimulate milk production.
Baby is teething: Biting can help Baby relieve their sore gums during teething.
It brings them comfort: Have you noticed Baby only does these behaviors when upset? Squeezing or scratching at your skin may be their way of calming down.
Baby is losing interest: Near the end of a feed, pinching, scratching, or biting can be a sign Baby is bored of feeding or simply full (learn about baby full cues here)!
Stuffy nose or ear infection: A blocked nose or ears can make sucking harder for Baby, causing them to clamp down harder to get milk out.
Breastfeeding position: How you hold Baby while breastfeeding may affect how they latch; biting can indicate Baby is having a hard time latching deeply.
Ways to Reduce Discomfort While Breastfeeding
Whether Baby is a pincher, scratcher, or biter (or all three—ouch!), there are a few things you can try to reduce or cope with these painful behaviors.
If Baby pinches or scratches, try:
Covering the other breast with a shirt, blanket, or burp cloth
Clipping Baby’s fingernails to make pinching/scratching less painful
Putting baby mittens or socks over Baby’s hands
Holding/massaging Baby’s free hand while breastfeeding
Giving them a toy to hold as a distraction
Letting them know how you feel, firmly: “No. That hurts mommy, please stop.”
Removing Baby’s hand and showing them a gentler way of touching
If Baby is biting, try:
Staying calm, as shouting out in pain may startle Baby and cause them to clamp down harder
Giving them a chilled cloth/teething ring before breastfeeding (helps during teething)
Gently prying their mouth apart and letting them re-latch (this is easier if Baby’s has no teeth yet)
Adjusting to a reclined breastfeeding position to help Baby get a deeper latch
Compressing your breast a few times to increase the flow of breastmilk
Switching to the other breast; this also helps strengthen Baby’s neck muscles on both sides, which can prevent torticollis
Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with Baby, but it can be uncomfortable and a little frustrating at times. Remember to lean on other breastfeeding mothers or family for support. If you’re having consistent issues with breastfeeding, talk to Baby’s healthcare provider. They may refer you to a lactation consultant for further guidance and support. You’ve got this, Mama!
