Breastfeeding is a happy journey. But it will take some time to get comfortable with it. If you choose to breastfeed, you know how it feels like to be a breastfeeding mother. Breastmilk is a blessing from nature sent to the world to nourish our little ones. Our body goes through an amazing process to produce breastmilk. But the most difficult part of breastfeeding seems to be feeding your baby the milk which was produced inside your body. Does he eat enough? Why does he take so long? Is my supply enough? Ouch, why did she bite my nipple? All the breastfeeding mothers have had these thoughts at least once in their breastfeeding life.
Does your baby pull on your nipple while breastfeeding? This behavior is common among babies but it can be caused by many reasons. Nipple pulling can be uncomfortable and painful for the mother. If your baby is also has a habit of pulling nipples while eating, you might have wondered what makes your baby do that and how to stop it. There are several reasons for nipple pulling behavior. But, they will vary according to the age of your baby and your breastfeeding patterns. In this article, we will discuss what makes your baby pull your nipples while nursing and how to stop it.
CONTENT
1. Why does my baby pull on my nipples while breastfeeding?
2. How to stop my baby from pulling on to my nipple?
1. Why does my baby pull on my nipples while breastfeeding?
Low milk supply
If you have a low supply of milk, the milk will flow at a slower speed. Your baby will be frustrated when it takes longer for milk to flow out. This frustration can cause your baby to pull on your nipples. If your baby is hungry and does not get milk fast as he sucks, he will pull on the nipple hoping it will give out more milk to him.
Fast letdowns
This is the opposite of the reason that we discussed at first. If you have a good supply and fast letdowns, your baby will try to control it by pulling on your nipple. There is a limit to the speed of the milk flow that a baby can handle. If your flow exceeds that limit due to high supply, your baby might try to slow it down by trying to pull on your nipples.
Latching problems
Your baby must be latched to your breast properly for a comfortable nursing session. If the baby is not properly latched, it will be difficult for him to suck. It will also be a reason not to get enough milk to fill his tummy. Some babies naturally learn to latch on the breast. But some may need help to improve their latch. The babies who are still learning to take the breast will pull on the mother’s nipple while trying to latch.
The baby is full.
When your baby has eaten sufficiently and his tummy is full, he will pull on your nipples out of boredom. If your baby pulls on your nipple towards the end of the feed, this should probably be the reason for nipple pulling.
Teething
Teething is a painful experience for your baby. As the teeth erupt, the gums will be sore and swollen. The babies tend to bite on anything to soothe teething pain. Your teething baby will also pull on your nipples to relieve his gum pains.
2. How to stop my baby from pulling on to my nipple?
Your baby will pull onto your nipples if your breastmilk is too slow or too fast. There are many techniques to improve your breastmilk supply. But, the solution that suits you will have to choose considering the reason for your low supply. Contact your pediatrician or your lactation consultant to advise you on the ways to boost breastmilk production.
If you have noticed that your breastmilk flow is too fast for your baby, change the breastfeeding positions. Hold your baby more upright than laying him down. You can also lean back to a chair to position the breast lower than the baby’s throat. In case these changes did not help you, consult your pediatrician or the lactation consultant.
The baby needs time to practice his latch. But if you doubt whether your baby is pulling on your nipple because he is uncomfortable to suck, you will have to correct his latch. You will need the help of your pediatrician or the lactation consultant to identify what part of latching has gone wrong and how to correct it.
When your baby is pulling on your nipple towards the end of the feed, pull your breast out from his mouth. If he does not cry or try to take the breast back to his mouth, you can be sure he is full. But if you are still not sure he is full, burp him and give the breast again.
