Can't Seem to Breastfeed? Maybe Tongue-Tie is the Issue!
Procedure on Tongue-Tie Offering Aid for Baby's Nursing via Breast
Got a newborn baby who's just not getting the hang of breastfeeding? Maybe they're struggling to latch, or even causing you discomfort. Could a tongue-tie be the issue?
Crank up the tunes, 'cause we're diving into the thick of it!
Let's Dish with Dr. Heidi Szugye, M.D.
A lingual frenulum, aka that little string connecting your baby's tongue to the floor of their mouth, can sometimes cause some trouble. This minuscule band might prevent your tot's tongue from moving freely, leading to feeding difficulties or a bloody latch. That's what we call ankyloglossia, a fancy term for tongue-tie.
Fret not! Tongue-tie surgeries (also referred to as lingual frenotomies or just frenotomies) have been escalating in usage when it comes to newborns, and they're shown to improve breastfeeding woes for many!
But, as with anything, there are a few things to weigh before you dive in, so let's sift through the pros and cons!
Should You Scoop this Surgery?
If your healthcare provider suspects that tongue-tie woes are the cause of your baby's latch issues or your nipple pain, they might suggest a tongue-tie surgery. This simple procedure is done with medical scissors or a laser, and it zaps the connective tissue. Voila! Your baby's tongue has been freed up for free-range movements and, hopefully, a smoother latch!
Pros
- Better breastfeeding: Not all babies with tongue-ties face breastfeeding struggles, but those torments are often more common in tongue-tied babes. If your baby's troubles are traceable to their tongue-tie, a frenotomy could be your golden ticket.
- Easy moshing: This snappy procedure typically only takes a few minutes!
- Minimal risks: Although rare, possible risks include bleeding, infection, pain, injury to saliva ducts or nerves under the tongue, or oral aversion (hesitancy to feed). Freakouts about tongue-tie surgery are rare and manageable!
Cons
- Not for everyone: Not every baby is a fit for tongue-tie surgery. There are some medical reasons a babe shouldn't have a frenotomy (like certain bleeding or neurologic disorders).
- Might not solve all problems: Not every fing, er, baby, benefits from tongue-tie surgery. Sometimes, other factors like positioning, milk supply, anatomy, parental infections, or craniofacial anomalies could be the root of your baby's issues.
What to Poke Around for Instead
Before you slice that frenulum, rule out other possible culprits for your baby's feeding troubles. Connect with a lactation specialist for a thorough assessment!
"We always want to investigate and snuff out other causes of poor latch or nipple pain before pinning it on a baby's tongue-tie," advises Dr. Szugye.
Okay, let's wrap up!
Remember, sometimes breastfeeding issues may not stem from a tongue-tie. Before you go under the knife, explore alternative solutions like modified positions, nipple shields, therapy, and ongoing lactation support. Chat up a lactation consultant to personalize your battle plan and ensure you're giving your baby the best start!
- In the realm of health and wellness, women's health and parenting are significant concerns, especially when it comes to breastfeeding.
- Tongue-tie, a condition affecting a newborn's tongue, can potentially lead to difficulties in breastfeeding and discomfort for the mother.
- Science has proven that tongue-tie surgeries, also known as lingual frenotomies, have been effective in improving breastfeeding issues for many infants.
- Nutrition and skin care are crucial aspects of health and wellness, but they may not be directly linked to breastfeeding difficulties, so it's essential to explore other factors such as positioning, anatomy, or craniofacial anomalies.
- In cases where tongue-tie is suspected, therapies and treatments, such as therapy and ongoing lactation support, can be explored before considering a surgery, to ensure the best start for both mother and baby.
