Mom goes to ER after her toddler bites off half her nipple during breastfeeding
Lactation experts say such severe injuries are rare, but nipple trauma during nursing is a known risk; care guidance emphasizes calm technique and proper wound care.
A U.S. mother was rushed to the emergency room after her toddler bit off half her nipple during a breastfeeding session, an incident she described in a video posted to TikTok.
In a clip filmed in a hospital car park, Rebecca explained the mishap: "I’m at the ER right now because my son accidentally bit my nipple, and it’s like hanging on." She said the moment happened during a feeding with her young child and that the injury was not immediately painful, but she grew worried when she realized the nipple remained partially detached. "It doesn’t hurt, but I don’t know. I was told to go to the ER because my nipple has nerves, and I’m concerned now," she added. After being admitted, the mom posted an update saying, "Everything is fine. I don’t need to get any stitches. I just need to tape it and not wear a bra." She acknowledged the visit may not have been necessary but followed her obstetrician-gynecologist’s guidance, and she worried about the cost.
Medical lactation experts say injuries this severe are rare. Erin, a lactation consultant with Oh Baby Midwifery and Lactation, told Kidspot that she has never seen a nipple "half bitten off" and noted that teething can complicate breastfeeding but teeth typically do not disrupt feeding when latch and positioning are correct. "What I often encounter, though, is mums worrying about breastfeeding once their babies start teething. The good news is that when feeding is going well, teeth usually don’t really get in the way!" Erin said, adding that smaller wounds are a more common occurrence among breastfeeding mothers.
She emphasized that these love bites are not personal and that a one-off bite is something many breastfeeding parents may encounter. "Breastfeeding should not cause painful, cracked, or bleeding nipples. Biting and nipple trauma may signal underlying issues such as poor oral function, a shallow latch, suboptimal positioning, or even dysfunctional sucking or breathing patterns," she explained. Babies may clamp down because the pressure feels soothing on teething gums, or because they’re distracted, no longer actively feeding, or even frustrated with milk flow.
Wounds also carry risk if not treated effectively. "Be mindful that open wounds and bites also carry a risk of complications like infection, mastitis, or thrush," Erin warned. For Rebecca, the experience was a painful blip in an otherwise rewarding journey, representative of the kinds of challenges that can arise even as families celebrate the benefits of breastfeeding.
But how should a parent respond if such an injury occurs? Erin’s guidance centers on calm action at the latch and wound care. She advised gently breaking the latch to avoid aggravating the wound, then assessing the nipple for tears, bleeding, or swelling. Keeping the area clean and dry is key, with a suggested approach that alternates between moist wound healing and air drying to promote recovery. Some parents consider using medical-grade honey (with proper washing before feeding) and nipple cups made from sterile materials as supportive measures, though she cautions that parents should consult an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant if wounds persist or worsen.
Erin also stressed an important broader point: ongoing or repeated nipple trauma may warrant a closer look at feeding technique and oral function. "Babies may bite for reasons beyond teething, including bite reflexes, frustration with milk flow, or shallow latch. If pain or damage continues, a professional assessment is essential to rule out underlying issues with latch, positioning, or coordination of sucking and breathing," she said.
For Rebecca, the hospital visit highlighted a larger truth about breastfeeding: while it is a natural, rewarding process, it can involve unusual and painful moments that prompt parents to seek care. Still, experts emphasize that such extreme injuries are not the norm and that most nipple trauma involves smaller, more common wounds that improve with proper care and guidance from lactation professionals.
The anecdote also serves as a reminder of the practical realities of parenting and medical costs. Rebecca noted that while the ER visit was advised by her OB/GYN, she worried about the expense involved, given that some cases do not require stitches and can be managed with simple wound care and feeding adjustments.
In the end, Rebecca said the episode did not derail her broader breastfeeding goals. Rather, it underscored the importance of support networks for new and experienced parents alike, including access to lactation consultants who can tailor guidance to a family’s unique feeding situation.
As families navigate the early stages of breastfeeding, clinicians emphasize that most issues can be addressed with careful latch technique, appropriate wound care, and timely professional consultation when needed. While Rebecca’s experience was extraordinary, it reinforces the need for awareness about nipple care and the resources available to help parents sustain breastfeeding safely and confidently.
