What if the most important part of the tongue-tie conversation happens before anyone looks in your baby's mouth? A new review from three surgeons on tongue-tie and breastfeeding says it's worth knowing what that is.
If someone's mentioned a tongue-tie during a hard week of feeding, a fix that takes minutes can sound like relief, and that makes complete sense. The review points to what needs to happen first, and it gives you a clear set of questions to bring to your midwife, GP or lactation consultant.
In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White unpacks the review and what it means for you. She explores who may benefit from a frenotomy, which method has the evidence behind it, and the support worth trying before anyone picks up the scissors.
You'll Hear About:
- Why tongue-tie procedures rose 420% in a decade
- Why what the tongue can do matters most
- Who benefits and how strong the evidence is
- What the research says about scissors versus laser
- What to ask before agreeing to a snip
A frenotomy can be a helpful tool for the right baby once skilled feeding support is in place, and if it changed everything for you, that experience is real. You're allowed to ask for a whole feed to be watched, to understand the method, and to know who will check how feeding is going afterwards. Wanting those answers first is a sound way to look after you and your baby.
If a friend is up at 3am googling tongue-tie, send her the link to The Science of Motherhood and let her know she's allowed to ask questions first. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.
Resources & Links
Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_
Connect with Renee on LinkedIn: Renee White
Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services
Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies
If you're worried your baby isn't gaining weight or getting enough milk, please see your GP, child health nurse or lactation consultant straight away.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association National Breastfeeding Helpline is free and open 24 hours a day on 1800 686 268 (1800 mum 2 mum).
For additional information, visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association website.
Research discussed: Lingual Frenotomy for Breastfeeding Difficulties: Indications, Surgical Techniques and Multidisciplinary Care in Infants and Young Children. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. PMID 42543437
This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.
Disclaimer
The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
