In my education to become a dietitian, I learned about the basics of infant nutrition, including breastfeeding. But prior to having kids of my own, I remember thinking it was all so simple. “Why doesn’t everyone just breastfeed?!” It wasn’t until my first son was born that I came to my own conclusions about breastfeeding: It is no joke! Through blood, sweat, and tears, I managed to breastfeed both of my first two boys (who are now four and two) until they were 12 months old or until they started biting me – whichever came first.
Given my history of successful breastfeeding, I thought repeating the process with my last son would be a piece of cake. My youngest son (Monroe) is 3 months old and I now have another new perspective on breastfeeding: Don’t get cocky. Just when you think you have things figured out, the game changes. Allow me to explain…
I noticed something was different about Monroe’s feeding our first few days at home. His latch didn’t seem as deep or his suction as strong as my other boys’. He would also slip off my breast quite often during feedings. He just couldn’t get a proper seal with his lips. So much so, that I could hear him swallowing air. He had other issues too. He was eating every two hours like a typical newborn, but at night he was waking up every hour in between feedings screaming out in pain. We expected it was gas pains because any kind of burping or leg bicycles would produce lots of toots. We began giving him all the drops – mylicon drops, probiotic drops, basically any kind of drops. But the drops weren’t helping and it got to the point where he wasn’t napping during the day anymore either. The only time he was content was when he was held upright, which meant lots of carrier time. It also meant that mama was exhausted! You all understand. It was virtually no sleep for weeks on end.
It was finally suggested to us that we try chiropractic care. Our amazing chiropractor was the one who looked in his mouth and discovered it: Monroe was lip-tied and tongue-tied. Lip-tie and tongue-tie is when the two small flaps of skin below the upper lip and under the tongue (also known as the frenulum) are too far forward. These flaps of skin can limit range of motion and make an effective latch physically impossible. Hence, the name “lip-tied” and “tongue-tied.”
Though I’m no expert, I’ve learned a lot about the mechanics of breastfeeding through all of this. The tongue is important because it moves up and down along the bottom of the nipple to help express milk. And the upper lip is supposed to flip up to help seal out air and create good suction. Poor Monroe was swallowing air, not able to fully empty the breast of milk and was likely missing out on the high-fat hindmilk. Apparently, foremilk is higher in carbohydrates which can also contribute to gas issues. It all made sense!
Once armed with a diagnosis, we were able to get a referral to ENT and Monroe had a successful frenulectomy (the revision of his lip and tongue ties). While it wasn’t an overnight change, we have been working together to re-learn how to eat and his latch is now much improved. He doesn’t slip off my breast during feedings anymore and I only hear him swallowing nutritious milk instead of guzzling air. Also, his gas pains have completely disappeared and he is starting to sleep for longer stretches. After an arduous journey, we feel like we’ve rounded a corner and the light at the end of the tunnel is finally in sight!
Before this experience, I had never even heard of lip-tie or tongue-tie. But I’ve had numerous moms along the way tell me of friends or family or even their own children who have struggled with the same issue. It was nice to know I wasn’t alone. For anyone else out there who is struggling with breastfeeding and possible lip-tied or tongue-tied babies, here are a few things I have learned:
- Even when you know what you are doing, BREASTFEEDING IS HARD WORK!
- Not all babies with lip-ties or tongue-ties require revisions. Sometimes there are other tactics that can help.
- If an infant is tongue-tied, it can negatively impact milk supply. So when in doubt, pump!
- If you are hoping to get a frenulectomy, try to get it done before your baby is 28 days old. Prior to 28 days a frenulectomy can be performed as an office procedure but after 28 days, it is outpatient surgery.
- Some babies see immediate results from revisions while others take more time to heal and adjust – neither is wrong.
- Your child’s primary provider is there to help and can be vital in coordinating care with other specialties.
- Consider the advice of other mamas! We can all learn from each other’s experiences.
- Chiropractors are amazing people who only want to help.
- Make sure you are taking breastfeeding advice from sound sources. Not all lactation counselors are created equal.
- Don’t feel bad about advocating for your baby and doing what you feel is best.
- Trust your gut feelings. You know your baby better than anyone else.
