In regard to Jean's post on the baby who was jaw clamping at breast...I have
noted over the last couple of years that babies born after rapid labors have
as much trouble with jaw clamping as babies born after protracted labors.
So whether down in the birth canal a long time or "whooshed" down the chute,
as it were, there can be problems with jaw clamping: facial muscles tight or
jaw a little out of alignment.  Baby is trying to do the right thing, but
just can't. Sometimes I've seen marked improvement after the first 24 hours
(and believe me, the improvement was not from anything I had tried; just
"tincture of time" I think).  The only other suggestion I give parents in
the meantime is to try having the infant suck on Mom or Dad's finger first
before every feeding and they will be able to feel when the clamping eases
up and the sucking begins.

Happy Holidays to everyone.

Jean Macomber, RN, IBCLC
Jacksonville, Florida

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