A LLLL/ mother of a charming 10-month-old boy asked me a question, which 
I'm posing to you all in hope of providing a better answer.  She'd 
earlier gone through a rugged stretch with this child having very 
frequent seizures, which seemed to have been brought under control in 
recent months.  (Sorry, no details on the causes and treatments.)  Then 
the baby had a small seizure recently, so she's worried that this could 
be an ongoing problem.  While the baby has never had an episode while 
nursing, she is concerned that, because these events happen without 
warning, that he could suddenly go rigid and clamp down while 
breastfeeding.  He's older, stronger and has teeth on top and bottom 
now, so she's picturing real damage from such a circumstance.  She 
wanted to know if there are any "tricks" for releasing a baby's jaw -- 
maybe some pressure/leverage point that would be more effective for 
trying to get him to open.  She's already aware of the usual suggestions 
on biting babies and clamping newborns. 

My only suggestion is watching attentively during feedings for subtle 
warning signs and unlatching at that point.  But if anyone has any ideas 
for an after-the-fact release that would be most helpful.

Margaret Wills, LLLL, IBCLC

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