Here is what you will find when you look for information regarding your baby biting you while nursing:

Be sure not to giggle because your baby will think it’s a game.

Hug your baby close so she has to let go to breathe.

Gently poke your finger in his mouth and prop his mouth open.

Now please allow me – a seasoned breastfeeder – to interpret this sage advice.

Be sure not to giggle because your baby will think it’s a game. Translation: Try not to scream when your baby suddenly clamps down on your nipple. It’s going to surprise you and will probably hurt like crazy. You will rue the day you bragged about your baby’s early development of teeth. Optional: Try not to cry over the absurdity of your baby biting you after you’ve spent all this time nourishing her with your own body.

Hug your baby close so she has to let go to breathe. Translation: Hug your baby close and worry that you’re going to smother her to death because she still isn’t letting go. Pull her away and wonder why in the world biting you is more important to her than breathing. Frantically beg your baby, “Okay, let go already!”

Gently poke your finger in his mouth and prop his mouth open. Translation: Prepare to marvel at your baby’s amazing ability to stay clamped on your nipple even though you’re trying your best to pry his mouth open with your finger. Optional: Prepare to have your finger bitten.

If you only ever experience a little nibble from your baby while breastfeeding then you should consider yourself lucky. My boy bit me so hard that I would up with multiple breast infections and eventually had to wean him because I just couldn’t take it anymore. If you do find an effective way to get a baby to stop biting while nursing then please let me know. Personally, I never figured it out.