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LMFitz
life is good
Member since 5/05 2013 total posts
Name:
L
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Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
Any insight here would be helpful.....
DS 2 is two weeks old and has been having trouble latching from the very beginning ( excruciatingly painful for me - and he's never satiated by what he is able to pull and drink himself). Just had a lactation consultant here for a home visit, and she immediately said he needs his frenulum cut back. My pediatrician (whom I adore) had warned me that that would be the recommendation, as many LC's, in his experience, default to that suggestion. My ped shared that his own wife was talked into it with his third child - did it, and it didn't help breast feeding in the least.
I'm not inclined to do it for one very simple reason: when I go back to work in October, I know I can't maintain a pumping regimen.....my schedule is too intense and variable. I feel like if I go for the surgery, it's selfishly so that I can be more comfortable between now and when I'll undoubtedly have to wean in the fall. Alternately, I can easily pump multiple times a day right now- so that DS is benefitting from as much breast milk as possible. Maybe I can settle on a pumping schedule that is sustainable once I'm back at work....
For those that have experience with this - what are your thoughts? Curious for various insights as I'm really torn....I know it's a simple procedure (easier than the circumcision he's already endured).
TIA.
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Posted 8/4/15 4:11 PM  |
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MrsB612
LIF Adolescent
Member since 12/12 784 total posts
Name:
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Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
My son didn't have a tongue tie, but, if I were in your shoes I probably would just opt to exclusively pump. Especially if the chances of it working aren't that great. I would probably consider it more if you were planning on nursing for the long haul but since you are going back to work in about 8 weeks I don't think I would bother.
If you decide to pump, I suggest renting a hospital grade one. I used one for the first month and it was amazing. So much more efficient than my regular pump. GL!
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| Posted 8/4/15 4:37 PM |
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MaZz
* Lovin my baby girl!!! *
Member since 2/09 6243 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
My ped advised me to ride it out. See if it got better over time. That's what I did. Dd couldn't latch properly so I exclusively pumped for 3 long months. It's not easy... Her tongue tie is def better (she's 3 now) and I don't think it affects her speech much.
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| Posted 8/4/15 4:49 PM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
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Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
To my knowledge, pediatricians aren't TT/LT experts. I'd go for a consultation with a doctor who specialize in it.
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| Posted 8/4/15 4:51 PM |
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ANewDayHasCome
Love multiplies, not divides
Member since 11/12 14481 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
Did you try having him latch using a nipple shield?
I'd be concerned about speech issues in the future if it was bad enough to impact that.
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| Posted 8/4/15 4:54 PM |
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MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
Posted by ANewDayHasCome
I'd be concerned about speech issues in the future if it was bad enough to impact that.
I was thinking the same. I would have a specialist look at it. It's such a quick fix if he does have one.
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| Posted 8/4/15 4:59 PM |
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LMFitz
life is good
Member since 5/05 2013 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
Posted by ANewDayHasCome
Did you try having him latch using a nipple shield?
I'd be concerned about speech issues in the future if it was bad enough to impact that.
The LC had me use one. While it helped w my pain, it didn't help him suck efficiently. She weighed him after a 15 minute session and he only weighed .5 oz more.
My ped gave me the name of a pediatric ENT whom he holds in high regard. I may try him, or I may get a second opinion from someone at work (NewYork Presbyterian Hospital).
On the issue of a speech issue - my ped's point was that there are thousands of formula fed infants - who probably have tongue tie issues that never get addressed because you don't examine it as closely (usually) w FF kids......and they manage to speak just fine. Made sense to me....but I'm inclined to avoid an unnecessary procedure at all costs.
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| Posted 8/4/15 5:14 PM |
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ANewDayHasCome
Love multiplies, not divides
Member since 11/12 14481 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
Posted by LMFitz
Posted by ANewDayHasCome
Did you try having him latch using a nipple shield?
I'd be concerned about speech issues in the future if it was bad enough to impact that.
The LC had me use one. While it helped w my pain, it didn't help him suck efficiently. She weighed him after a 15 minute session and he only weighed .5 oz more.
My ped gave me the name of a pediatric ENT whom he holds in high regard. I may try him, or I may get a second opinion from someone at work (NewYork Presbyterian Hospital).
On the issue of a speech issue - my ped's point was that there are thousands of formula fed infants - who probably have tongue tie issues that never get addressed because you don't examine it as closely (usually) w FF kids......and they manage to speak just fine. Made sense to me....but I'm inclined to avoid an unnecessary procedure at all costs.
My ped said that as long as they can stick their tongue out it shouldn't be a speech issue.
I wouldn't rush to do anything though especially if you're not comfortable with it.
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| Posted 8/4/15 5:29 PM |
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MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
Posted by LMFitz
Posted by ANewDayHasCome
Did you try having him latch using a nipple shield?
I'd be concerned about speech issues in the future if it was bad enough to impact that.
The LC had me use one. While it helped w my pain, it didn't help him suck efficiently. She weighed him after a 15 minute session and he only weighed .5 oz more.
My ped gave me the name of a pediatric ENT whom he holds in high regard. I may try him, or I may get a second opinion from someone at work (NewYork Presbyterian Hospital).
On the issue of a speech issue - my ped's point was that there are thousands of formula fed infants - who probably have tongue tie issues that never get addressed because you don't examine it as closely (usually) w FF kids......and they manage to speak just fine. Made sense to me....but I'm inclined to avoid an unnecessary procedure at all costs.
But plenty of kids do have speech issues so I don't really see how that's a good argument. Not saying you should absolutely have the procedure but I would see the ent just to get another opinion. No harm in having it checked by an expert.
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| Posted 8/4/15 5:39 PM |
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luckysmom
Yes it is! Going as planned:)
Member since 6/07 5339 total posts
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
Posted by MrsT809
Posted by LMFitz
Posted by ANewDayHasCome
Did you try having him latch using a nipple shield?
I'd be concerned about speech issues in the future if it was bad enough to impact that.
The LC had me use one. While it helped w my pain, it didn't help him suck efficiently. She weighed him after a 15 minute session and he only weighed .5 oz more.
My ped gave me the name of a pediatric ENT whom he holds in high regard. I may try him, or I may get a second opinion from someone at work (NewYork Presbyterian Hospital).
On the issue of a speech issue - my ped's point was that there are thousands of formula fed infants - who probably have tongue tie issues that never get addressed because you don't examine it as closely (usually) w FF kids......and they manage to speak just fine. Made sense to me....but I'm inclined to avoid an unnecessary procedure at all costs.
But plenty of kids do have speech issues so I don't really see how that's a good argument. Not saying you should absolutely have the procedure but I would see the ent just to get another opinion. No harm in having it checked by an expert.
I agree with this! Definitely get a second opinion. Ni had issues with my son latching and I had to stop BF'ing 2 weeks in because the pain never got better, my nips were bleeding all the time and I started actually getting sick from it. I saw an LC in the hospital 2 days after I had him, I was there for four, because the issues started really early and she said he had a slight tongue tie and to have our ped snip it and his latch will improve and the pain will stop. Well our ped would not do it and told us it wasn't necessary it was so slight. Of course I listened to my ped and then had to stop BF'ing when it got too painful and I started getting sick. I felt cheated on the whole BF'ing experience. I spoke to a friend 9 months later who had the same issue with her son and she fought to get a referral to an ENT from her ped and the ENT did the procedure and within a few days her sons latch was so much better and she had. I more issues. I wish I knew then what I know now because I would have fought for the procedure. My son is 3 next week and a few months back we were talking with our ped about doing the procedure because we were worried about his speech. We ultimately decided not to do the procedure now because its not effecting his speech significantly and it may not be due to the tongue tie. It's still very slight.
Message edited 8/4/2015 6:21:32 PM.
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| Posted 8/4/15 6:21 PM |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
A LC told me DS was slightly tongue tied & should get the procedure.
I did not. I supplemented w formula. His latch improved.
I also can't pump at work & used a mix of formula & BF. He has no issues with talking.
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| Posted 8/4/15 9:41 PM |
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snowprincess
My happy babies
Member since 3/06 3428 total posts
Name:
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Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
I had the same problem - the LC said my son was tongue tied and Pedrician said it was ok - I was struggling for him to latch and was pumping. I finally got him to latch comfortably at about 3 weeks old without cutting it. However we did cut it when he was 2 - he was having speech problems and having surgery for something else- his speech took off after it was cut
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| Posted 8/4/15 9:48 PM |
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allIwant
Love my crazy life!
Member since 1/10 9170 total posts
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
My dd was tongue tied. She had trouble latching but was also a premie.
We used a nipple shield which helped but not perfect. I waited it out a bit but ultimately saw the ENT just shy of 3 months.
He recommended we snip it because she had an indentation at the tip of her tongue because it was so tight. (almost like a heart shape) I was worried about future speech issues.
We snipped it and I am thankful we did because it was really thick and tight (dr said so when he snipped it)
Procedure itself was nothing. She cried for a minute or 2 and was breastfeeding like a champ when we got home.
We went to DR. Ditkoff. All of my kids have seen him for one reason or another and I really like him. I don't think he is quick to do something etc and I trust his opinion.
FM me if you have any questions.
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| Posted 8/4/15 10:09 PM |
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LMFitz
life is good
Member since 5/05 2013 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
Thanks everyone for the insights....all incredibly helpful!
I didn't realize how much this situation would impact me.....but the hormones are still raging - resulting in me crying intermittently as I try to wrap my head around how I want to proceed.
Please keep the suggestions/personal experiences coming!
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| Posted 8/4/15 10:11 PM |
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allIwant
Love my crazy life!
Member since 1/10 9170 total posts
Name:
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
Posted by LMFitz
Thanks everyone for the insights....all incredibly helpful!
I didn't realize how much this situation would impact me.....but the hormones are still raging - resulting in me crying intermittently as I try to wrap my head around how I want to proceed.
Please keep the suggestions/personal experiences coming!
awww hang in there....I had a tough time with the decision too but it gets easier.
Try the nipple shield in the mean time if you haven't that may buy you some time with your decision making
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| Posted 8/4/15 10:18 PM |
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MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
Posted by LMFitz
Thanks everyone for the insights....all incredibly helpful!
I didn't realize how much this situation would impact me.....but the hormones are still raging - resulting in me crying intermittently as I try to wrap my head around how I want to proceed.
Please keep the suggestions/personal experiences coming!
I could be wrong but I think there is a fb group for long island related to tongue tie if you want to try searching. I don't now where you're located but I'm in the lll of southeastern suffolk fb group and there are so many moms on they're who've dealt with it.
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| Posted 8/5/15 6:55 AM |
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SLPRunner
LIF Adult
Member since 12/13 1101 total posts
Name:
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Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
So you sound almost exactly like me a year ago (My DS just turned 1). I was exhausted, hormonal, crying, and desperately trying to breast feed even though it hurt and my DS was not gaining enough weight. I had a lactation come to the house and she diagnosed the tongue tie right away. It is a posterior one and not too obvious but there. My pediatrician confirmed but only after I asked him too. He didn't think the tongue tie was a big deal and we could formula feed and I could pump. Aside from my DS not extracting enough milk, though, I was just not making enough. No matter what I did I could not increase my milk production. My DS's latch and ability to extract the milk did improve (the lactation consultant did help with that), but not enough to help my production increase.
Anyway, my pediatrician was not exactly 100% supportive about breast feeding in my situation and did not recommend release of the tie. Now I am a speech-language pathologist and asked my co-workers what they thought. Because of course a tongue tie would affect speech? Well not exactly. All the research points to no. In severe cases where tongue movement is severely diminished I suppose it could. But most of the time, it does not affect tongue movements needed for speech and children can learn to compensate. Many adult still have tongue ties. What tongue tie does affect is feeding. Depending on the tie location and severity it can affect a kid's ability to move their food from side to side while chewing, for example.
Anyway- sorry for being long- I ended up taking my DS to a local ENT for a second opinion. Basically yes he has the tie. This ENT recommended releasing it because he said you never know what could happen. But by the time I took my DS at 8 months it would have to be performed under anesethia. I didn't think it was critical enough to put him through that.
Do the release if you feel more comfortable doing it. Just think about it. A lot of doctors think it does affect speech but that's not necessarily true. I basically breast fed as much as I could until I went back to work. When I went back to work my supply diminished so much anyway. I am glad I decided not to go with the release for now. If for some reason in the future my DS needs it, we will do it.
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| Posted 8/5/15 7:15 AM |
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ANR1211
My loves
Member since 2/11 2131 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
It's not a bad procedure at all. DS1 was always ff, but still had trouble with his latch. The pediatrician asked me if I thought he had trouble latching and I was unsure. He said it was because he had a small tongue tie and we could fix it right then and there by having it snipped. DH held him down, the pediatrician snipped it, I cried a little, and then we gave him the bottle and he stopped crying within 2 minutes. I am so glad we did it and would not hesitate to do it again if any other children had tongue tie (DS2 did not). It's much better than waiting and having it affect speech later on because the procedure is so much more involved when they're older. DH and I always joke that DS1 has a freakishly long tongue now, but it's never been an issue!
This is what I would consider - will you want to do something if it affects speech later? Will you regret not having a little snip now instead of having a full procedure later? Will your ped do the procedure? FM if you have any questions and good luck with your decision!
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| Posted 8/6/15 8:21 PM |
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Shroggie
Don't Worry...Be Happy
Member since 5/06 6261 total posts
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
We had he same issue here with DS. We had it clipped around 3-4 months and it was a simple cut done at the ENT. Took all of 10 seconds. Very minimal bleeding, and he cried for a minute. I had to stop breastfeeding around that time b/c of mastitis which turned into an abcess, so I'm not sure if it would have helped with that but I think it would have.
We saw a huge difference in movement in his tongue after having it clipped. He wasn't able to stick his tongue out before, and right after, he could. For us, we didn't want him to possibly have speech issues bc of it later.
I don't regret it one bit.
ETA: Our ped referred us to an ENT to have it done. Maybe get a second opinion from an ENT if you're on the fence.
Message edited 8/7/2015 6:49:11 AM.
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| Posted 8/7/15 6:47 AM |
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Tiggeruth
I am a mom :-)
Member since 6/06 3433 total posts
Name:
Heidi
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
I would get a second opinion.
DD had issues latching and painful/bleeding for me, wasn't gaining weight properly. A friend had a tongue tied baby so we asked LC and Ped about it and they thought DD was ok. But we should have gone for a second opinion because DD is def tongue tied (tongue goes to her lips only - she can't stick her tongue out - i never even really noticed it much until DS came along and he can stick he tongue out much further than her) and it might now be effecting her speech and it would have been much easier to have done the procedure when she was a baby because i cant imagine how she would do with it now at 4.
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| Posted 8/7/15 1:21 PM |
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SLPRunner
LIF Adult
Member since 12/13 1101 total posts
Name:
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Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
Just FYI most docs won't clip it in the office past a month or 2 months old. Too difficult to perform the procedure on a baby that moves a lot. At 8 months the ENT I saw wanted to put my DS under anesthesia. Same procedure, just the baby is under anesthesia. Like I mentioned before, there is actually no evidence that it does affect speech, unless movement is extremely restricted. It affects feeding more.
http://www.superduperinc.com/handouts/pdf/241_TongueTied.pdf
http://www.speech-language-therapy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41:tie&catid=2:uncategorised&Itemid=101
Message edited 8/7/2015 2:53:52 PM.
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| Posted 8/7/15 2:48 PM |
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Katareen
5,000 Posts!
Member since 4/10 7180 total posts
Name:
Katherine
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Re: Experiences/Advice regarding procedure to address tongue-tie
Posted by MrsT809
Posted by ANewDayHasCome
I'd be concerned about speech issues in the future if it was bad enough to impact that.
I was thinking the same. I would have a specialist look at it. It's such a quick fix if he does have one.
This... Go for a free consultation and get it looked at. I had both of my DC's tongue ties removed and I don't regret it for a second.
Even if not for breast-feeding purposes it will help their speech in the long run. My sister has a tongue-tie that was never corrected and there are certain letters/letter combos she cannot say correctly even at 40 years old. And she had speech in school for as long as I can remember.
Look up Dr. Scott Siegel in Melville. He is incredible.
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| Posted 8/7/15 5:00 PM |
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