FAQs
1) Why does my baby's tongue tie need separating?
Some tongue ties do not affect feeding but common symptoms of the ones that do are:
Sore or misshapen nipples,
Mastitis,
Diminished milk supply,
Prolonged or frequent feeds,
Difficulty in latching,
Baby fussing during feed,
Excessive weight loss.
In bottle fed babies:
Difficulty in taking a teat,
Prolonged feeds,
Excessive dribbling or wind.
2) Will the procedure hurt my baby?
It is a quick and almost painless procedure, this is because there are very few nerves endings in this area. Most babies cry briefly and it usually bleeds a small amount, both of which are usually resolved when the baby feeds immediately following the procedure.
3) What happens during the procedure?
The baby is wrapped securely in a blanket and laid on a flat surface and it's head is supported by you, your partner or a friend. The tongue is lifted up to expose the frenulum and it is examined under a light. The practitioner then cuts the frenulum with small curved blunt-ended sterile scissors. A finger is then swept under the tongue to make sure the frenulum has been divided completely. The floor of the mouth is then compressed using sterile gauze before the baby is unwrapped and handed to the mother for feeding. Feeding allows the tongue to come down and compress the wound site which helps stop the bleeding. The baby's condition in monitored, to establish if the bleeding has stopped. The parents are advised that a small white patch under the tongue is normal in the healing process. Tongue exercises are discussed. Parents are advised it may take the baby a few days to establish the correct feeding technique.
4) Is there any paperwork?
Yes there is a consent form for the parent or legal guardian to sign before the procedure is carried out.
5) What age does the baby need to be?
The procedure can be carried out from new born to 6 months.
