Tongue-Tied And Breastfeeding Issues

Updated on June 26, 2008
A.G. asks from Ambler, PA
6 answers

Hey Mommas! I just birthed my beautiful third baby 2 weeks ago at home, in water, and unexpectedly unassisted!! I am so proud of this little boy and how he smoothly came into this world! When my midwife did come to check him out, she found that he had a tight frenulum... but he had already latched fine and, seemingly, continues to latch on with ease.
However, I am starting to notice some frustration - a lot of times it seems when I let down, he breaks off... he also seems to breastfeed very briefly on each side - but goes back and forth and back and forth...
Does anyone have experience with this - and what did you do... Do you have any dr. recommendations?? I am starting to get worried - I do not want to switch to bottles. I want to breastfeed my third (and last) baby for as long as he would like!!! I don't want him to get overwhelmed, discouraged, or frustrated.
Help.

A.

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A.L.

answers from Buffalo on

i am sorry to hear about the breastfeeding problems you're having! i can relate, since we saw many lactation consultants in the area for weeks until they found the problems. my daughter who is 4 1/2 months old and happily breastfeeding, had tongue-tie and torticollis. torticollis is when a baby is born with a stiff neck, tilting a bit to one side. this made her uncomfortable to nurse. she is fine now after a bit of physical therapy. her tongue-tie was also effecting the breastfeeding. my daughter was losing weight, and we we were told we would probably have to supplement or stop breastfeeding.
anyway, both of these problems were discovered by dr.penny soppas in drexel hill who is an amazing pediatrician AND lactation consultant. she fixed the tongue-tie right there in the office the same day. (wish there were more of those out there) she's not our regular pediatrician-we just saw her for these problems. she's amazing!
i'm not sure where you're located, but the breastfeeding resource center in glenside is really wonderful and helpful. http://www.breastfeedingresourcecenter.org/

hope this helps...GOOD LUCK!

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T.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

A., first of all, congrats on your new baby! As for the breastfeeding issues, I had your issue, and others, with breastfeeding my son. I wasn't supplying enough milk, which was strange, since I had successfully nursed my first child. Thankfully, I hired an amazing lactation consultant, and we worked through these issues together. I ended up successfully nursing my son until he weaned himself off me about 2 weeks before he turned 2 years old. So, I would highly suggest you contact a lactation consultant. I will send you a personal note with the name of mine. She is wonderful. It is money well spent. I also joined a Nursing Moms' group. I had an "advisor" whom I could call as needed, and I attended monthly (I think) meetings and met a lot of other nice moms. Good luck!

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S.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

I'm new to the sight and I don't know all the lingo so what does SAHM mean? And when you say your children are un medicated are you saying that they don't get vaccinated? Just curious because I know that is an issue for so many parents.
As far as your new baby congratulations. As long as hes is taking to the breast enjoy the time that he is there even if he is going back and forth.

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G.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

My son has a tight tongue-tie, but were successfully breastfed for 13 months...it can be done! When he breaks off, it is soon into your BF'ing session? I know in our case we had similar issues, and discovered it was because I had an overactive letdown and he was getting too much milk at once!

KellyMom has a lot of great information. Here is more info on overactive letdown. If that doesn't apply to you guys you could search tongue-tie and perhaps find more info. And definitely talk to a lactation consultant! Best of luck!
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html

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B.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

My son was tongue-tied. The lactation consultant didn't catch it at the hospital as he was latching well. My wife's milk didn't come in until day 5 however and I knew something was up. I looked at him and noticed the tongue issue. I checked it out on the internet and realized what it was.

We had the frenectomy done at 2 weeks old and this kid went to town with the breastfeeding! A world of difference within 24 hours. There was nothing to it. A quick snip and the kid was ready to rock n roll. Barely any tears either.

Most doctors won't do the tongue frenectomy (there seems to be no logical reason for this as they have no problem doing circumcisions and 25% of those require penile frenectomies). Our doctor does do them however. His name is Dr. Stewart Barbera at Valley Pediatrics, he is an old timer, very smart and open minded. You would like him as he is fond of the way you are raising your kids.

If he is too far away from you I wouldn't waste time calling docs to see who does them, just ask your lactation consultant. I am sure she would know who does and doesn't do them. Good luck with your growing family!

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L.P.

answers from Philadelphia on

I don't have any speicific advice for you, except that you need to talk to a lactation consultant. Get some hands-on advice from the best!

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