Unfortunately, many babies have a physical impairment that makes it hard for them to breastfeed successfully. Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, is when the skin connecting a baby’s tongue to the bottom of the mouth restricts its movement, often making it hard for a baby to feed.
Now, though, a new study has confirmed that frenotomy, also called frenectomy or just tongue-tie surgery, improves the ability of these babies to breastfeed.
An In-Office Procedure
The study looked at 311 infants who were evaluated for tongue-tie. Of those evaluated 95% (299) underwent a frenotomy. The parents of these infants were surveyed after the treatment to determine the impact of the procedure on their breastfeeding difficulties.
About half of parents responded, and among respondents a number of breastfeeding problems improved. Infants had better latch after the procedure than before. Mothers’ nipple pain decreased after the frenotomy, and many mothers stopped have nipple pain at all.
The procedure was so successful that 92% of treated infants were breastfed exclusively after their frenotomy.
Overcoming Breastfeeding Difficulties
Breastfeeding can be challenging, so it’s a good idea to get some support and help when starting out. It’s also important to make sure there are no physical reasons why your baby may be having difficulty breastfeeding. If you know your baby has tongue tie or if you suspect it, talk to your pediatrician to have your baby evaluated.
If you are looking for tongue-tie surgery in Columbia, SC, please call (803) 781-9090 for an appointment at Smile Columbia Dentistry today.
