Could this be TMJ? How was the birth experience? Can you reach both TMJ joints with your hand from behind baby's head? If so, try a little pressure to keep the joint seated as baby opens to take the breast. Definitely needs F/U by pediatrician.
For someone with TMJ, opening wide for yawning, or chewing something firm can HURT.
Phyllis in Phx, AZ

>
> I am helping a mom whose baby has not latched well since birth. Baby is
now 6 days old. When baby opens her mouth to latch, I notice a grinding
sensation on the back of her head as I am assisting the mom. This
"grinding" extends the full circumference of the back of the baby's
head, from one ear to the other. I have felt the sensation in the baby's
jaw as well, and mother tells me she has even heard popping noises.

I really thought that this sensation was related to the baby's latch
(i.e. tongue sucking, retractions, etc), until yesterday, when the
mother brought the baby in for failure to thrive. Baby was down in
weight one pound (from 9-6 at birth to 8-4 in the office). As I held
this baby, she began to cry, and I felt the sensation at the base of her
skull again!! When she latches, the baby will begin to suck, and then
slowly closes her mouth onto the nipple shaft. At times, she acts like
the opening of her mouth is painful, and she pulls of crying.

Does anyone know what this could be? I have referred the mom back to a
pediatrician/LC in or community, but I am so perplexed.

Thanks so much,
Brenda Phipps, BS, IBCLC
Flagstaff, AZ

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