My toddler began biting and gnawing on me when she had a tooth or a molar coming out. I knew it made her feel better, but I couldn't handle the pain, either. When she bit, I noticed I began being "mean" to her but I knew that wasn't helpful or the way I wanted to be with her, especially during a nursing session. When babies are teething, they nurse differently, which is another reason it's so uncomfortable. Sometimes, it can be because baby is trying to "get more" milk to come out because they are in a growth spurt, etc. Weaning isn't necessary at this point...
Since I knew this was going to be "another" phase she was going through, I tried to be extra patient. I know for many moms, offering something cold to chew on before a nursing session helps. Sometimes I even put these cold compresses on myself in between nursings to help with some of the soreness. If your baby bites, calmly take him off the breast and re-latch... babies obviously aren't nursing if they're biting. Sometimes, if a mom pulls off too quickly, more damage can occur to the nipple. Plus, if your baby is sensitive, it may have a negative reaction. You might even try pulling your baby in closer... she may instinctively let go. Or, you can use the ol' slipping a finger between the your baby's gums or teeth technique.
Many moms find it helpful to try to anticipate and prevent biting... lots of eye contact, touching and talking sometimes makes it less likely the baby will bite to get mom's attention. Since most biting occurs at the "end" of the nursing session, you may begin to notice that your baby's jaw beginning to tighten a bit... Giving extra attention to your nursing position and baby's latch-on is really important, too... Make sure you keep up your supply so your baby doesn't get easily frustrated and resorts to biting to "bring in more milk," etc... Lots of positive reinforcement when baby doesn't bite can be helpful, too.
Since it sounds like your baby's biting has become "persistent," you may want to try stopping the feeding, firmly saying "no bite," offering an acceptable teething object, quickly putting baby on the floor or also keeping a finger near your baby's mouth to quickly break the suction, etc.
As you already know, breastfeeding is so much more than just nutrition and a baby associates feelings of comfort and security as well as satisfaction of hunger with their mommy. Babies aren't doing it out of meanness, of course, so I feel as though a bit of a learning curve is needed. I hesitate to try the "turning my back" technique. But, of course, you're his mommy and you'll decide what's best.
Good luck with everything!
