October 08th, 2024

Let’s get the milk flowing on some hot topics regarding breastfeeding and tongue ties!

People are getting on the Tongue Tie Bandwagon.

Excellent. 

For years, I advocated for tongue tie releases, enduring ridicule, hostility, and receiving countless letters and emails expressing peoples opinions on what I was pursuing. 
I was actively seeking out dentists for assistance, literally flipping through the Yellow Pages. Some of you may not even be familiar with what the Yellow Pages are. I certainly knew them well as I marked off “NOs,” “maybes,” and arranged face-to-face meetings with those who said “YES.”
I was dismissed as someone who knew little about breastfeeding. “She just thinks everything is a tongue tie now”. 
I was accused of receiving kickbacks from dentists.

Critics claimed I shouldn't be in business, with some even urging families to cancel appointments with me.
Now, multiple offices in our town are performing revisions. We officially have more dentists in this city doing revisions than I know of IBCLC’s in private practice. 
We have people who are flipping lips but overlooking tongue ties.
Babies are undergoing revisions without a comprehensive assessment of their overall needs.
People are not asking what additional issues require attention. 
Is the baby truly prepared for a release? Is the FAMILY ready for it?
Timing is crucial.
Preparation is essential.
Aftercare is important.
Infant oral autonomy is significant.
Lactation Consultants play a vital role in ensuring that families receive the support they need before and after a tongue tie release. It's important that they work closely with families to create a holistic plan that addresses not just the physical procedure but also the emotional and practical aspects of the procedure. There are activities and exercises we can do with infants to support their success post release. And if breastfeeding has been a symptom, we need to address the breastfeeding concerns post revision. 
Education about the potential benefits and limitations of tongue tie releases is key. 
Furthermore, a multidisciplinary approach is beneficial. This team approach helps in making informed decisions that are in the best interest of the child and family at this particular time of their lives. 
Some offices that do releases in other cities will not even allow a family to book an appointment without vetted IBCLC referrals because they see the big picture. I am not saying I want access gate kept, however, it is crucial to ensure that families receive the highest standard of care and support. By requiring vetted referrals, these offices aim to connect families with qualified professionals who can provide expert guidance and assistance. This approach helps ensure that families are not only receiving accurate information but are also empowered to make informed decisions regarding their care.
The goal is to foster a supportive and nurturing environment where families feel confident and well-informed. While access should be as seamless as possible, maintaining a level of quality and trust is equally important in delivering effective and compassionate support to those in need.
Ultimately, the focus should remain on the well-being of the infant and supporting the family through informed choices, compassionate care, and thorough follow-up. By prioritizing these aspects, we can ensure that tongue tie releases are performed thoughtfully and effectively, with the best possible outcomes for everyone involved. 

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