Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Of Big Kids and Biting


My baby is HUGE!! Okay, so we weighed him on a scale a few weeks ago and according to that scale he was 17 1/2 pounds, but it only measured by the 1/2 pound. Yesterday we had Cameron's annual physical and Jake's 4 month appointment. Cameron weighs 59 pounds (which is pretty average.) and Jake is 17 pounds 10 ounces. Really, I shouldn't have been surprised, but I kinda am.

I do have a major problem with Jake though. He bites, and he bites HARD!! He's only got 2 teeth, but they are sharp little buggers! I've yelped many times in the last week, and I still can't get him to not bite. I asked the doctor what he suggested, and all he said was pump and give it to him in a bottle. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! The whole reason I nursed this kid was so I wouldn't have to DEAL with bottles! He also suggested I use a nipple shield. He told me that at Jake's age, kids don't understand the concept of causes and effects.

I'm almost at my wits end. I've tried pulling out and telling him no, but then he laughs at me. I've tried shoving his little face into my boob, but that just releases his bite. I've tried flicking him when he bites, but then I feel like I'm a rotten mommy! I've been nursing him with my fingers right by the nipple, ready to stick my finger in his mouth if he DOES bite. Oh, and I did try the nipple shield, but even WITH the protection, the kid's bite STILL hurt like heck!!

I'm not ready to give up, but I'm up for any and all advice to teach him not to bite. I really want to get him taught BEFORE the top teeth come in (I can see them starting to come down!) HELP!! I'm not quite ready to give up on nursing, and I certainly don't want to pump everytime he needs to eat.....any tips?? Anyone!?

8 comments:

Becky said...

My gosh, he is stinkin' cute!!!!

Mattsmom said...

Oh you poor mama. Since Sadie was not an early teether...I don't really have any good advice for you...but when she did bite me at that age with her sharp little gums I accidentally slapped her before I realized what was going on. She only bit hard that one time. But Jake is so little...that I am not sure he would change his habits. I don't really recommend hurting him. HOPEFULLY he just figures it out himself so you can enjoy nursing in the future.

Deanna said...

THe first time Tanner bit me, my reflex was to slap...I slapped his bottom, I think that reaction scared me more than it did him! i still feel bad about it!

Since My kids don't get teeth till they're a year, and I only nursed til about 8 months because of student teaching and work, I have no suggestions...

Good luck, though!

Sketchy said...

Jon was biter (still is actually, but now he bites appropriate things.) Since he probably craves oral stimulation, you might try giving him something to bite on for a while before he nurses. That might help settle that need with something other than mom. I'm not sure if this Pediatrician approved or not, but my kids liked biting on a frozen yogurt tube.

Gina said...

Today is cry-for-help-day I guess. I am desperate in another way today.

I do remember the biting when the first two teeth came in. I stuck it out for another week and it stopped... by just doing what you described. Taking him off and saying no... or ending the feeding. It sucks I know... I am sooooo sorry you are dealing with sore boobs! Keep up what you are doing.

Anonymous said...

I put my baby down and walk away. That's it for that nursing session. You bite, you get no food. Then about 45min to an hour later (all depends on how much the baby actually had at the previous nursing session) I try again.

Anne/kq said...

I'm with amy. Get the baby to detach (if you have to, push his face into your breast for a second), put him somewhere safe, and walk away where he can't see you, saying, "NO. That hurts" or something like that.

I don't even wait 45 minutes (I'd be leaking like crazy) but pick them up in a few minutes and do something else, and then about 15 minutes later if they're still hungry try again (but mine tended to bite at the BEGINNING of a nurse.)

CareBearMommy said...

Yeouch! I'm so sorry you're still going through this. I don't have any advice, but I'm glad you're able to nurse him. From the looks of it, he's obviously getting enough to eat!! Such a cute, chubby little man!