Newborn Breastfeeding and "chewing"?

Question

I'm a first time mom, and I'm trying to breastfeed my 3 day old. We're both learning, but he's not just sucking on my breast he's chewing or gumming me. How can I stop this behavior? Will it automatically stop when my milk is in? help! I want to breastfeed but it hurts so much!!

Answer 1

He should get the hang of it once the milk arrives, which  was always day 3 for me.  Keep in mind that it is a learning experience for both of you.  If he is chewing, I would stick one of my fingers in there so he doesnt hurt the nipple too much !  

Stick with it, it is worth it.

The first 2 weeks are always the toughest :0

check with the lactation consultant at the hospital or your dr's office, they will help you !

Answer 2

Contact a lactation consultant at your hospital.  They should have someone available to answer questions.

Answer 3

My milk took 6 days to come in and my son "pacified" nursing a lot!! Keep at it! It will get  A LOT better/easier! Try to encourage your baby to get a deeper latch..have your nipple just under his nose when offering the breast  that way your baby's natural instinct to open wide and lift his/her chin up to latch on. There are some great websites out there that helped me with my breastfeeding issues so just google search proper latch to help you see what it looks like. Don't stress if he/she doesn't do it perfectly. My son has had a shallow latch since day one and we stuck with it ...he is now 3 months old and still has an imperfect latch but the nursing is a lot easier! I am so thankful I stuck with it and you will be too!

Answer 4

I would say it's normal.  I have been breastfeeding my baby for 3 weeks.  She starts out doing this because she is very hungry.  She calms down shortly after.  It will get better once your milk comes in.  You two are both learning together!