As a new parent, you want so much to do everything right to help your baby get off to a healthy and happy start. From taking care of that umbilical cord to ensuring your baby gets enough sleep and nutrients—you are all in and doing everything it takes. Yet, when breastfeeding doesn’t go as well as you had hoped, new moms often feel let down. After all, they want so much to make it work.

However, if your new baby has a tongue-tie, this might be the root cause of your baby struggling to keep their latch. And, thankfully, the procedure to correct this issue is quick and painless. In fact, many babies can successfully latch just a few hours after the procedure—a laser frenectomy—is completed.

Breastfeeding Challenges of Tongue-tie

Breastfeeding can sometimes present unexpected challenges. Many new mothers face issues such as sore nipples, engorgement, and difficulties in getting the baby to latch properly. These challenges can be stressful and disheartening, especially when the baby seems hungry or fussy despite frequent feeding attempts.

A common, but less widely known, issue that can make breastfeeding difficult is tongue tie (ankyloglossia). This condition occurs when the strip of skin under a baby’s tongue (the lingual frenulum) is shorter than usual, restricting the tongue’s movement. Because of this restriction, the baby might struggle to latch correctly or find it difficult to maintain the latch during feeding. This poor latch can lead to insufficient milk removal from the breast.

When a baby cannot effectively remove milk, it impacts the supply-and-demand cycle, which is important for maintaining milk supply. If the breast isn’t adequately emptied, it signals the body to produce less milk, potentially reducing milk availability over time. This situation can escalate into a stressful cycle of feeding difficulties and concerns about a baby’s nourishment and growth.

What is a laser frenectomy?

The Mayo Clinic suggests that about 10% of babies are born with ankyloglossia. So, if this is the case with your baby, know you are not alone. Also important to know is that many moms are turning to their dentist for a procedure called a laser frenectomy. And though that might sound scary—a laser in your baby’s mouth—it’s actually quite a successful procedure and has super-high satisfaction rates from breastfeeding moms. 

What exactly is a laser frenectomy? A laser frenectomy is a specialized procedure designed to correct tongue tie by releasing the tight frenulum that restricts the tongue’s movement. It involves using a laser to precisely and safely reduce this connective tissue. The benefits of using a laser for this procedure are significant.

• Minimal pain.
• Reduces bleeding.
• Recovery time is usually quick—your baby can attempt breastfeeding almost immediately after the procedure.

This procedure supports the benefits of breastfeeding, such as heightened bonding between mother and baby, significant nutritional advantages, and support for the baby’s immune system.  And, at Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry, your dentist in Salem, OR, we specialize in pediatric laser treatments.

The Impact of a Laser Frenectomy on Breastfeeding

As we’ve said previously, your baby can often latch on almost immediately after a laser tongue-tie treatment is completed. And, many new moms love their ability to quickly comfort their previously tongue-tied baby right after. 

And remember how you were asking yourself, does breastfeeding hurt? Or, is it supposed to hurt? The answer is no. After your baby’s procedure, you’ll quickly see for yourself that breastfeeding is no longer painful—physically or emotionally—and it is now a much better experience overall. 

Other Breastfeeding Tips 

It might seem odd to get breastfeeding tips from your local pediatric dentist, but the truth is that we work with many new moms and babies and have learned quite a bit along the way. Here are some other tips, especially if your baby is having trouble keeping a latch.

• Find the right position: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find the most comfortable one for you and your baby. Common positions include the cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position.
• Use pillows for support: Pillows can improve comfort by supporting your arms, back, or baby, potentially improving the latch and reducing strain.
• Take care of your nipples: After feeding, apply purified lanolin or expressed breast milk to your nipples to help soothe and protect them from cracking and soreness.
• Stay hydrated and well-nourished: Keep yourself hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to help sustain your milk supply. Remember, water is your best friend right now.
• Seek support: Don’t hesitate to contact lactation consultants or breastfeeding support groups if you’re experiencing difficulties. They can offer valuable advice and techniques to improve your breastfeeding experience.

Does your baby have a tongue-tie?

If your baby has been diagnosed with a tongue-tie, or you suspect they might have one, bring them in to see your baby dentist at Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry in Salem, OR. We’ll assess your baby’s mouth to see if they have a tongue-tie, and if they do, we can treat it straight away, right in the comfort of our office. Request your baby’s appointment today.