#asktheexpert
Hi doctor
My baby has suddenly stopped latching from 2 days. what could be the reason. Everytime i try to latch him he just bites me. He was taking the feeds really well before that. He is also scratching his ears. Is this because of new teething or due to some infection in the ear? should i take him for checkup ?

Question

#asktheexpert 
Hi doctor
My baby has suddenly stopped latching from 2 days. what could be the reason. Everytime i try to latch him he just bites me. He was taking the feeds really well before that. He is also scratching his ears. Is this because of new teething or due to some infection in the ear? should i take him for checkup ?

Accepted Answer

If your baby has suddenly stopped latching and is biting during attempts to breastfeed, along with showing signs of ear stretching or discomfort, several factors could be at play:

1. Teething: Teething can cause discomfort in babies, leading to changes in their feeding habits. The pressure from new teeth breaking through can make sucking painful, which might explain the biting. The discomfort can also lead to fussiness or irritability during feedings.

2. Ear Discomfort: Stretching or pulling at the ears can be a sign of ear discomfort or infection. If your baby is experiencing ear pain, it could make them less willing to latch or cause them to behave differently during feedings.

3. Growth Spurts or Developmental Changes: Babies often go through phases where their feeding habits change due to growth spurts or developmental milestones. This can sometimes lead to temporary changes in appetite or latching behavior.

4. Nipple Confusion: If your baby has been introduced to bottles or pacifiers, they may develop a preference for these over breastfeeding, which can cause them to resist latching.

Recommendations:

Check for Signs of Teething: Look for signs such as swollen gums, drooling, and increased irritability. You can try massaging their gums or offering a cold teething toy to help soothe discomfort.

Observe for Other Symptoms: Monitor for signs of ear infection, such as fever, excessive crying, difficulty sleeping, or fluid drainage from the ears.

Consult Your Pediatrician: Given your baby’s change in feeding behavior and ear stretching, it's a good idea to consult your pediatrician. They can assess for any potential ear infections or other issues and provide guidance on how to manage teething discomfort.

Breastfeeding Support: If teething is the main issue, continue to offer the breast calmly and patiently. If biting becomes frequent, you can gently remove your baby from the breast when they bite, explaining that biting is not acceptable. This can help them understand and may reduce biting behavior over time.

Taking your baby for a check-up is advisable, especially if you notice any signs of illness or if their feeding habits do not improve. Your healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.