Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, is sometimes the cause of a baby’s troubles with latching during breastfeeding. It’s a condition that occurs in 10% of newborns though it is more common in boys. Signs and symptoms can vary or may not be present at all making it difficult to diagnose. That’s why it’s helpful to be aware of exactly what is tongue tie in babies and how it presents. Read on to recognize the symptoms of tongue tie and learn how it’s treated.
Recognizing tongue tie symptoms in nursing babies|Recognizing tongue tie symptoms in nursing babies
Tongue tie treatment options
Babies of all ages and stages can undergo tongue tie treatment. “It’s a simple office procedure,” Genna explained. “The tissue doesn’t have a lot of nerves in it, and doesn’t bleed much either.”
Two types of procedures are used to treat tongue ties. A frenotomy is a simple and painless procedure in which a healthcare provider snips the frenum. Results are immediate and your baby should be able to immediately nurse comfortably.
In some cases the frenum is too thick for a quick snip, so a frenuloplasty is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon loosens the frenum and will stitch the area. Recovery from a frenuloplasty generally takes about two to three weeks or less if surgery is done via laser.
Dee Jiminez chronicled her son Cash’s tongue and lip tie surgery on her YouTube channel, Peanutbuttervibes. “The procedure took about 5 minutes. The doctor said most mothers experience a significant difference in breastfeeding pain after the surgery. I was NOT part of that majority,” Jiminez explained. “But he also said that Cash needs to learn how to properly breastfeed again since he needs to learn how to control his upper lip and tongue now.”
There are no lasting effects due to tongue tie surgery, and in some cases, treatment may not even be necessary. Ankyloglossia can sometimes improve by itself in toddlerhood. Consult your child’s physician to determine which course of action is best for your baby.|Babies of all ages and stages can undergo tongue tie treatment. “It’s a simple office procedure,” Genna explained. “The tissue doesn’t have a lot of nerves in it, and doesn’t bleed much either.”
Two types of procedures are used to treat tongue ties. A frenotomy is a simple and painless procedure in which a healthcare provider snips the frenum. Results are immediate and your baby should be able to immediately nurse comfortably.
In some cases the frenum is too thick for a quick snip, so a frenuloplasty is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon loosens the frenum and will stitch the area. Recovery from a frenuloplasty generally takes about two to three weeks or less if surgery is done via laser.
Dee Jiminez chronicled her son Cash’s tongue and lip tie surgery on her YouTube channel, Peanutbuttervibes. “The procedure took about 5 minutes. The doctor said most mothers experience a significant difference in breastfeeding pain after the surgery. I was NOT part of that majority,” Jiminez explained. “But he also said that Cash needs to learn how to properly breastfeed again since he needs to learn how to control his upper lip and tongue now.”
There are no lasting effects due to tongue tie surgery, and in some cases, treatment may not even be necessary. Ankyloglossia can sometimes improve by itself in toddlerhood. Consult your child’s physician to determine which course of action is best for your baby.
