Terry Lynn:

I feel that this mole-picking habit, just as biting the nipple *hard* at
such an age when we all know that the child is a perfectly rational and
easy-to-explain-to-being....must come to an almost drastic impasse.

To the Child: "Or you stop picking at my mole/biting my nipple, (or whatever)
              or that's the end of your snacking at mother's side."

Besides, in the case of the mother that you refer to, it's not just the
pain that she so stoically endures, as in the case of nipple-nippers, but
an actual danger of provoking a more serious skin lesion and/or future
cancer, Lord forbid. Nursing is great, but the mother's personal safety and
comfort is also equally as important. After all, this is a dyad we are
talking about.

I've had mothers who couldn't get their children to stop nipping with their
teeth, and so went for the weaning. After all, isn't this supposed to be a
pleasurable experience for both participants....especially as such an
advanced age as 18 mo.?

Sorry if I sound so hard-hearted, but there are times when there can't be
any leaway.  I'll be interested to see what others think about your case.

Roberta