I have an almost 8-month old who has been biting while nursing - while I got some great advice from moms here on how to help stop it (and luckily he hasn't bitten me in a few days!) He did get me pretty good about 4 days ago and my nipple is really sore. It hurts like hell when he latches on, it's definitely a pain in the "trunk" or thickest part of my nipple, definitely an interior pain, not cracked nipples or anything. So dumb question, but there couldn't be any permanent damage could there? Should I call the doctor?
Probably don't need to call the dr. You most likely got a deep bruise when he bit you. It'll take a few days to heal so you can either keep nursing and take some Tylenol for the pain, or you can rest it and just pump from that side for a few days. I think either way it's still going to hurt a bit, but it'll heal in time.
It's probably a hematoma (bruise) on the inside of the nipple from the bite. It can take a while to heal. Imagine hitting a soft part of your body hard, it can take a few days for the bruise to show and resolve. Consider using a nipple shield while it heals to prevent additional injury.
Also, make sure that he latches correctly. I was super sore when my daughter got her teeth, because she started latching kind of lazy. That was also the only time when she would bite me (when she was almost done and just sort of hanging on). So I started correcting her latch or taking her off the boob every time she got lazy - I was never bitten again and the soreness went away.
Good luck.
nipple shield time! my son was a "clamper" and my nipple shield saved me time and time again.
I've been through so much trauma with my breasts and nursing and the best advice I can give is to stick it out. The pain will go away (eventually) and you'll be glad you keep on through it. :) I feel your pain!
I agree with LeeAnn. If it's still bothering you 1-2 weeks from now, I would maybe call your advice nurse or a lactation consultant, but for now, let it heal.
Doubtful about permanent injury...
I'd put some breastmilk on it, allow it to air dry and use the other breast 2 nursing sessions in a row then the hurt one... giving that side a bit more rest time.
