How do I address this with DD?

[ps4624]

DD is 12 months old and has developed a habit of dragging her teeth down my nipple when she pops off. It is very painful and has left my nipples raw and tender.

When she was in her biting phase, I would take her off the breast and put her down, which she clearly understood was my way of telling her biting is not allowed.

I have no idea how to explain to her that dragging her teeth is not allowed. I've tried to anticipate when she's about to do it and inserted my finger in her mouth to open up her jaw. I can't seem to consistently get my finger in her mouth in time.

Any advice would be appreciated - last night was rough for everyone.

Thanks

[dachshundqueen]

Simply tell her no and that it hurts.

If you cannot get your finger in to break the latch fast enough, press her face into your breast. This will force her to open her mouth to get air.

Liz

[justthinkn]

I would also just try to be very alert while nursing, alert for signs that she's about to do the dragging thing, and pop her off preemptively. I think my DD did this for a while at about the same age, and that was my main strategy.

[claddaghmom]

DD will do this too! She seems to instinctually know it hurts, but she will do it for example when she is half asleep at night.

We practiced opening our mouths wide and I pointed to her teeth and said "owie."

It has only happened once or twice in the past couple months. I don't know if that is due to some development on her part, or if it was just a phase or what.

[Emmery'sMom]

My DD was doing this when she had more teeth coming in. She also just started biting down on my nipple if she feels it start to slip out of her mouth I started popping her off when I can tell she's done. Sometimes she protests so I let her nurse for a new more minutes and then I distract her with something else and quickly straighten my clothes!

[country lilac]

I feel your pain

My 1yo daughter has been doing that to me as well. I say "ow", I point to her teeth and say "ow" or that her teeth can hurt mommy, etc. I don't know if it is working or not yet, but I hope she can make the connection soon.