I usually tell mothers that we teach babies not to clamp down on the
breast (with their gums) BEFORE they have teeth, by breaking the latch
and covering the breast with clothing for a minute or two.  If they are
still concerned, I talk about the tongue over the lower gums inhibiting
the bite reflex.
        However, there are a few situations where biting can be a real
problem.  Tongue-tied infants may not be able to maintain the tongue
over the teeth.  Infants might bite reduce the flow of milk if they are
poor bolus handlers or mom has a really powerful MER.  I might explore
these issues, and some ways to handle them, with multips who complain of
having been bitten by a previous baby.
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[log in to unmask]

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