Jack, I have worked with a fair number of infants with torticolis.  Some had
no feeding problems, and others had problems that ranged from inability to
feed, slow feeding, or mothers with very damaged niplles.  I had a woman not
long ago whose baby had torticolis and a very clenched jaw pattern.  The
torticolis prevented full range of motion at the TMJ and the jaw stability
was undermined.  Generalized abnormalities of muscle tone can affect the
child's ability to open and close his mouth and swallow. (Ogg, 1975)  MM
Palmer notes that inhibited range of motion at TMJ can reduce the downward
stroke of the jaw, creating short, choppy, ineffective jaw excursions.
I've worked with other kids with torticolis who had very weak lip seal and
used excessive jaw clench to compensate (in order to hold the breast in the
mouth).

The mother might want to try side-lying position (gives lots of passive
postural support for the baby) and when nursing in cradle or more upright
positions use lots of breast support.  She should expect the work of feeding
to be increased and baby may fatigue before nursing fully.  Breast
compression and perhaps postfeed pumping with the remainder of residual milk
fed back to baby as supplement might be wise.  This would protect intake and
keep milk supply well stimulated.  If she can find an LC in her area who
could assist her with getting baby's body into a flexed position with very
slight extension at the head, so baby goes to breast with a nice
assymetrical latch, this would increase efficiency.

She might want to see an OT and begin some gentle exercises to increase the
baby's strength and mobility.  Also, Cranial Sacral Therapy is a gentle
modality that works a lot at the TMJ.  I have a CST therapist here in Austin
who is trained to work with infants, and she helps quite a few of the
"tight" babies I send her.

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BSEd, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates, Austin, Texas
http://www.lactnews.com

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