At around 4 months old, some babies start the odd and rather alarming practise of 'nipple tugging.'
This is where during a feed your baby jerks his head back, pulling and tugging at your nipple with his mouth.
I'd rather not look...
Your nipple may take on shapes during this tugging that you really would rather not be witness to.
There are some theories out there about why this happens.
Why do they do this?
One theory is that as your milk supply settles down after the first three months, your baby has to work harder to draw the milk out, hence the pulling and often frustrated tugging.
Another theory is that babies can simply get bored, and find that they can have a 'little play' with your nipple.
Do I need to stop it?
Whatever the reason, the nipple tugging does stop, usually on its own.
If your baby continues to do so, or it is hurting you, take your baby off and have a break for a few moments.
Your baby will quickly get the message that there are something in life that you simply don't tug.
