Let's Breastfeed

Divided Opinion!

If you are a mom of a new baby with a suspected tongue tie, you may find yourself being tugged from one side to another, with regards to tongue tie division in the medical field!

This is because the medical opinion regarding a tongue tie division or frenotomy is divided which makes finding an objective unbiased opinion very difficult to find!

Some medics believe that it has no impact on a baby’s ability to breastfeed, cope with the introduction of solids or speech. The problem however, is that if the tongue tie is not divided within the first 6 weeks, it does become a little trickier to divide.

So your options are to have the frenulum assessed and divided privately or to wait and see whether it causes a real problem as your baby begins to eat solid food or speaks.

The first option is not as difficult as one may think. There are a number of surgeons in London who recognize the impact a tongue tie will have on the afore mentioned topics and are happy for you to self refer and make an appointment.

Personally, I feel that it is better to have the tongue tie assessed by somebody who will best be able to advise you on a course of action. Worst case scenario, there will be marginal improvement to breastfeeding. Best case scenario and one my clients report 99% of the time, is a life changing improvement!

The second option – one preferred by medics may result in recurrent mastitis, low milk supply, pain, excess wind and colic episodes. Though it is important to mention that I have supported clients who have not divided the tie and have been able to manage these problems effectively.

If the tongue tie does prove to have an impact on speech later on, what could have been a simple snip will become a more complicated procedure.

It is not for me to make the decision for you, however, I would always urge a new parent to seek specialist help on this topic. Be sure that you are seeking advice from a professional who has an interest in protecting your breastfeeding and who is likely to offer an objective opinion.

If you would like more information on where you can have your baby’s tongue tie assessed, please contact me at g@letsbreastfeed.com.

Wishing you all success and happy feeding!

Geraldine

This entry was posted in Blog. Bookmark the permalink.