Mandibular asymmetry and breastfeeding problems: experience from 11 cases.

The authors review the experiences of 11 mother-infant pairs who had breastfeeding problems related to the infants' mandibular asymmetry. Lower jaw asymmetry is an early identifiable sign of torticollis, and a possible contributor to latch difficulties, nipple pain, and poor milk transfer. Pediatricians and lactation consultants should look for signs of lower jaw asymmetry combined with a preference for turning the head to one side in newborns who present with breastfeeding difficulties. By recognizing these anatomic irregularities early in the course of breastfeeding, pediatric health care providers will be able to treat breastfeeding problems promptly and proactively. They will be able to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions for dehydration symptoms or a septic workup and will intervene quickly with the recommendation of breast pumping and complementary feeding if milk transfer is not occurring.