The role of a lactation consultant in managing tongue-tie

The role of a lactation consultant in managing tongue-tie

A lactation consultant is a healthcare professional who is trained to help mothers with breastfeeding. 

They can play a valuable role in managing tongue-tie, a condition in which the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) is too short or tight, causing difficulty with certain tongue movements.

If an infant has tongue-tie, they may have difficulty breastfeeding due to limited tongue movement, which can make it difficult to properly latch onto the breast and transfer milk effectively.

 A lactation consultant can work with the mother and infant to assess the infant's breastfeeding technique and to identify any problems that may be caused by tongue-tie. 

They can then recommend strategies to improve the infant's latch and milk transfer, such as positioning and latch techniques, and can provide guidance on how to manage feeding difficulties.

In some cases, a lactation consultant may refer the mother and infant to a healthcare professional, such as a dentist or speech-language pathologist, for a proper evaluation and treatment recommendations for tongue-tie.

 In these cases, treatment options may include a simple surgical procedure called a frenotomy, which involves snipping the lingual frenulum to release the tongue.

If you think your infant may have tongue-tie and are having difficulty breastfeeding, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional, such as a lactation consultant or pediatrician, for a proper evaluation and treatment recommendations.