>Hi all.
>
>Can someone enlighten me as to the differences between tonic bite and clamp
>down bite reflex. I know that Leaven just published something on it. I think
>I lent that issue to someone, so if someone could enlighten me..in my
>stupidity <G>.
>
>THanks

Here is my reply.  I am not sure of the difference, except that tonic bite
is rarely seen in a baby who is neurologically normal.  It is a reactive
response in children with brain damage.  The biting response that is not
tonic may be something entirely different and is probably something that
can be changed once you determine what is triggering it.

In some cases where children are being "drowned" with too much milk too
soon, they attempt to prevent choking by clamping down on the nipple to
stop the flow. Is this what you are observing?  One way to get at this
problem is to know the baby's rate of gain. Usually such kids are in the
95%ile for weight for age.

Seems like more information would be helpful here.

                                        Kathy Auerbach
>
>
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>Kathleen Bruce RN, IBCLC                 (W) 802 878-6181
>766 South Road                                  (H) 802 879-8854
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         %%  Kathleen G. Auerbach, PhD, IBCLC    %%
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