Tongue tie
Hi, I would like to hear from anyone with experience of Tongue tie. A bf consultant recommended that I have my 4 1/2 month old checked as he still feeds every 2 hours.
From what I've read this could be the case and I also found that there is little room under his Tongue, however the articles also say it can be painful to feed and that weight gain is poor, which I'm not experiencing.
Has anyone else had a similar situation?
From what I've read this could be the case and I also found that there is little room under his Tongue, however the articles also say it can be painful to feed and that weight gain is poor, which I'm not experiencing.
Has anyone else had a similar situation?
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Replies
It caused us serious BF problems-i was very sore, ended up with mastitis, DS was CONSTANTLY feeding and didn't regain his birthweight until topped up with formula at 6weeks.
I'm a bit concerned that your BF consultant's only reason to suspect a tongue tie is frequent feeding. To be honest every 2hrs in a 4month old baby is not that frequent and should be considered completely normal. In the absence of other symptoms i would suggest that a tongue tie is not the issue, rather that your LO likes to feed frequently and this has become more of a habit-have you tried to gradually extend the time between feeds at all by distracting him etc?
There's a private lactation consultant, her name is Ann Dobson-google her (who specialises in tongue ties and was the one who finally confirmed my DS's and snipped it at home!) and sghe has a good website with a list of tongue tie symptoms. Perhaps give that a read and see if any of it applies to you and your LO and she's also contactable by phone and very willing to talk you through any of it (don't worry, no charge for phone advice!).
I really wouldn't jump to any conclusions based on your BF consulatnt's advice, it's sounds a little dubious to me.
HTH
That said I know some babies get diagnosed with tongue tie and have no problems at all, so it is possible, but like MummaJuk says if frequent feeding is the only reason for concern I wouldn't be in too much of a rush to do anything about it, unless you have any other problems?
I'm pretty sure that its really common for a baby of that age to feed so reguarly. A friends little girl is the same age as mine and she was still feeding 2 hourly until they stopped, also at about 17 weeks. TBH even though my LO is on formula now she still feeds every 3 hours, I think she just likes little and often.
There's no harm in getting it looked at if you are concerned but if not then just forget about it. As long as he is happy, feeding well and gaining weight then I don't see what the BF consultants problem is... x
The bf constant was concerned for my health as I am so exhausted.
Think I might just get a doctor to take a look to be on the safe side as I know some types can cause other issuses later in life.
Thanks for all the replies.
My daughter had a tongue tie, and was a BF baby. It didn't cause her any problems, and was only spotted when I took her (at well over 6 months) to see a GP and then a private paediatrician about it. I only noticed as when she attempted to stick her tongue out it looked like a plum, where the middle bit was joined and being held back!
The paediatrician surprised me by saying that the majority of tongue ties should be left alone as they will correct themselves. He assured me that my daughter's tie was literally a very thin membrane of skin which 'he could break by simply sliding his little finger under her tongue'! I couldn't quite believe it would resolve on its own but took his advice and left alone.
Recently I noticed that she can now stick her tongue out fully and just as promised, it did break on its own with no pain or adverse symptoms.
Not sure if this helps you, but thought I would share anyway.
To reiterate what the other's have said if your LO does neeed their tie snipping please don't worry about it. It's such a small procedure, my LO's was done at home. He had no ill effects and after a quick cry i put him on the breast and that was it, it never bothered him again.
Good luck with your appointment
My ds had a 50% tongue tie corrected at 15 weeks even though he followed his centile perfectly (stubborn mummy kept on attending bf to perfect the latch and also clock watched a bit as he had a habit of falling off early). I personally thought it helped as he was less windy and wasnt on/off feeding as much - although it was hard to tell as we were dealing with some other issues. It took a while after the snip (a quick cut and he fed beautifully straight after) for him to get used to the freedom and movement so dont expect it to be a quick fix at this age, but I believe it was the right thing to do in order for his speech and ability to eat solids given the degree and type of tongue tie he had.
Good luck x