Ankyloglossia, Tongue Tie While Breastfeeding

Ankyloglossia is known as a tongue tie. It is caused by an unusually short, thick lingual frenulum, a membrane connecting under the tongue and the floor of the mouth. Some are mild and some are more severe. Tongue ties affect about 4 to 5% of infants. Many studies have been done to see if a Lingual Frenotomy, also called Frenectomy, Frenulectomy or Frenuloplasty, a procedure performed to relieve tongue ties while breastfeeding. The evidence supports treating tongue ties for breastfeeding problems. Many feel this is the right thing to do. In my private practice, I see many babies with tongue ties.I recommend each baby be seen by a specialist and Ear, Nose, Throat Pediatric Specialist. Ask your pediatrician for a good referral. Dentists also specialize in clipping tongues. Before the tongue tie procedure, many infants experience poor latch problems. In many studies, it has been shown overwhelmingly that clipping the tongue and having this procedure, greatly improves the outcome of breastfeeding for the infant. Having your infant's tongue tie taken care of also helps with their word articulation and helps them enunciate words and sounds better later on in life.This is why I greatly feel a tongue tie should not be ignored and a specialist should give you their opinion of whether your baby's tongue tie needs immediate attention or whether it can wait. In conclusion, there have been many studies done assessing the relationship between Frenotomy and breastfeeding symptoms. Overall, the conclusion is that you need to have a Frenotomy to help reduce breastfeeding problems. The baby latches on better onto the mother. The mother feels less pain. Breast milk is transferred better. Make sure if your baby has a tongue tie, you address it as soon as possible.The soon you address it, the better it is for your baby. Speak to your pediatrician first. Then see a specialist. I have seen many moms breastfeed successfully after a Frenotomy.