Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, is a developmental anomaly of the baby’s tongue which may result in limitation and restriction of the tongues function. During assessment of the tongues function, the tongues mobility, digital suck, lateralisation, elevation and protrusion are all assessed and the location of the anchored lingual frenulum is visualised. In order to correct the restriction of the tongue, thus improving breastfeeding outcomes for mother and baby, division of the tongue-tie can be performed.
Frequent symptoms associated with tongue-tie:
DIFFICULTY ATTACHING TO THE BREAST AND SUSTAINING LATCH
FREQUENT FEEDING
UNSETTLED BEHAVIOUR DURING FEEDS
SLOW OR POOR WEIGHT GAI\
‘CLICKING’ SOUND WHEN FEEDING
SORE / CRACKED / MISSHAPEN NIPPLES
MASTITIS
LOW MILK SUPPLY
You may not be experiencing all of these symptoms, and symptoms you or your baby are experiencing may be as a result of another cause; just because a frenulum is visible it does not necessarily mean your babies tongue function is restricted, therefore a thorough assessment of the tongues function is essential by a skilled practitioner.
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