SUNSHINE LACTATION AND BREASTFEEDING
Tongue Tie and Frenectomy
“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.”
Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.
What is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie is a condition that affects some babies. It happens when the small piece of tissue under the tongue, known as the frenulum, is too tight or short. This can make it difficult for babies to latch onto the breast properly when they are feeding. As a result, they might have trouble getting enough milk, which can lead to problems with their growth and development. If a baby has a tongue tie, it may need to be checked by a doctor. In some cases, a simple procedure can help fix it and make feeding easier for both the baby and the mother.
Other Oral Restrictions
Besides tongue tie, there are a few other conditions that can affect your mouth. One of them is called lip tie. This happens when the small band of tissue connecting your upper lip to your gums is too tight. Another condition is called buccal tie. This affects the tissue inside your cheeks. All of these issues can make it hard for babies to feed and can also impact how their mouths develop as they grow.
Here’s a bit more detail:
- Lip Tie: Lip tie means the upper lip is stuck to the gums. Babies struggle to latch on for feeding.
- Buccal Tie: This is when the tissue inside the cheeks is too tight. It can affect how the baby moves their mouth and can lead to problems with eating and speaking.
These conditions can cause feeding problems and might need to be checked by a doctor to make sure a child’s mouth is developing normally.
Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.
Melissa’s Standard of Care
Complete Oral Check-Up
At Melissa’s office, every baby gets a thorough check-up of their mouth during follow-up visits after birth and while they’re bottle-feeding. This check-up looks at how well the mouth works and how it’s built to find any possible problems.
Why Early Detection Matters
Finding mouth issues early is very important. If problems are spotted early, parents can fix feeding issues right away and stop more serious problems from happening later.
Support After the Procedure
Getting Ready for the Procedure
Before the frenotomy or frenectomy, parents get information about what will happen. They’ll learn how to prepare and what to look out for after the procedure.
Immediate Care After the Procedure
After the procedure, it’s important to follow specific care instructions. This might include how to feed the baby, keep their mouth clean, and manage any pain.
Follow-Up Visits
Melissa’s practice schedules follow-up visits to check how the baby is recovering. These visits are important to make sure the procedure works and that the baby is feeding well.
Why Post-Procedure Support Matters for Babies
- Better Feeding Experience: After a procedure, getting the right care helps babies feed better. They latch on well and eat more efficiently.
- Keep an Eye on Things: Regular check-ups allow us to adjust feeding techniques and fix any problems. This support helps babies’ mouths work better.
Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.
Common Worries and What to Know
Discomfort and Pain
Parents might be anxious about their baby’s comfort after a procedure. It’s normal for some discomfort, but it usually goes away quickly.
Effects on Speaking
Parents sometimes worry that lip tie could affect how their child talks. However, with early treatment and good care, speech problems can be avoided.
Conclusion
Tongue tie, lip tie, and other mouth problems can really affect how a baby eats and feels. Melissa’s care includes checking the mouth carefully and offering help for treatments like frenotomy and frenectomy. By dealing with these issues early and giving continuous support, parents can make sure their babies eat more comfortably and start life healthier.
