128 338
LIFE&FAMILY
128
June14
The surgical procedure
The frenotomy can be done
with or without anaesthesia,
in a doctor’s office or hospital.
The procedure involves the
doctor snipping the frenulum
free; it’s quick, and discomfort
is minimal as there are few
nerve endings in the area.
Bleeding should also be
minimal, and babies can
usually breastfeed immediately
after the procedure.
There are several grades of tongue-
tie, and some do not require
surgical treatment
generally unsettled. If unresolved, it can
lead to early cessation of breastfeeding,
exclusive pumping or formula use. Later
on, a tongue-tie can lead to speech
impediments, restricted tongue function
and even food intolerance, though this
connection isn’t well understood as yet.
How can you address tongue-tie
without surgical intervention?
Many babies with tongue-tie will
breastfeed successfully with little or no
intervention. Those who do experience
problems, however, will firstly need to
be assessed by a qualified lactation
consultant (IBCLC) with experience
in identifying tongue-ties. We always
start with a conservative approach:
certain breastfeeding positions can help
mobilise the tongue, and suck-training
exercises can be useful in improving
tongue mobility and function. It may also
help to visit an osteopath or chiropractor
who is experienced with babies and
tongue-tie.
When should the surgical route
be considered?
When it’s impossible to mobilise the
tongue using the techniques described
above, and breastfeeding is still affected.
Bear inmind, too, that related symptoms,
such as reflux, may not be relieved by
medications alone. It may be that the
tongue-tie is so severe that no other
option is viable, as the long-term effects,
especially related to speech, outweigh
the risk and trauma of a minor surgical
procedure.
Before making a decision, discuss
it with your partner, your lactation
consultant and your doctor or
paed i a t r i c i an . Somet imes , t he
anticipation of medical intervention is
worse than the actual procedure. It is as
important to find someone experienced
with tongue-tie revisions, and who has
extensive knowledge on the subject.
There is a fantastic international support
group on Facebook (facebook/com/
groups/tonguetiebabies), run by experts
on the subject, that can provide a wealth
of information and support, including the
all-important aftercare.