Please send exact instructions for this TMJ stroking you teach. In our
hospital, many babies present with this problem of tight mouth. Babies
who were laryngyscoped, cord around the neck babies, babies
deep-suctioned, etc. Usually we use finger-sucking before feeding to try
to tire the jaw muscles slightly before breastfeeding, but we still see
a lot of painful nipples on these mothers as babies tend to bite. Thanks
for your needed input.
Cheryl Muller RNC. IBCLC

-----Original Message-----
From: The Mullers [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2002 7:06 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject:

From:    Carol Chamblin <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: "tight mouthed" baby

"specifically for a 'tight mouthed' baby."
Michelle,
Have you tried to stroke/massage the baby's temporomandibular region?
I've had a lot of success with teaching parents the strokes along the
TMJ region in gaining a wider excursion within even 12 hours of
implementing the gentle massaging strokes around the mouth and along the
area of the TMJ.  About a week ago, I had a baby whom the mouth was so
tight, I couldn't even insert my finger for finger-feeding, and the
nipple of the bottle was difficult as well.  The hospital where the baby
was born told the mom she wouldn't be able to breastfeed this baby.  I
got her pumping and within 2 days, the baby's mouth widened enough to
finger-feed.  Then, 2 days later, we were able to latch onto the breast
for the first time.  Mom's milk volumes increased with the pumping.  The
parents were amazed at how well the strokes improved their baby's
ability to open his mouth. Carol Chamblin, RN, MS, IBCLC

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