I have a case for the guru's that mom has given me permission to research.

I'm working with a beautiful week old infant. Very dedicated mom ( first
time) with great nipples- alittle taut areolar/breast tissue and a great
milk supply. Baby is an eager eater.
The problem: When the baby latches to the breast, his little jaw "pops" and
clicks at the TMJ severely! I mean, like I have never seen before! Babe is
totally unable to transition to a smooth rocker suckle because his jaw
just "pops" constantly. You can see and hear it. When he starts to suckle,
after a couple of "pops" he pulls of the breast and crys,a pain cry- not a
frustration cry.  I swear this kiddo acts like I do when my TMJ flares up.
 I had our Dr's look at him ( even ENT and Dental) and all say possible jaw
issue, nothing definative and nothing they can do.
 This occurs on a bottle also but no where near as signifiantly. On the
bottle he tends to clamp suckle, so it doesn't appear to discomfort him as
much because he just barely has to use his jaw.
Any ideas? Mom is currently pumping and bottling when we can't work
together. I'm a hosp. based LC and our facility does not permit cup feeds
and finger feeds require the same suckle motion as the breast.
Any ideas? Has anyone ever heard of an infant with a TMJ issue?
Oh- HX wise: vaginal delivery, no significant issues and no abnormal
molding,bruising,etc.
TIA for any ideas
Lisa Jones RN CLE IBCLC

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