Hi, I have a 3 mth old son who has been very unsettled since birth, with reflux, wind, sleeplessness, and crying. Recently someone mentioned that these things could be caused by tongue or lip ties, so I did some research, joined a support page on fb where you can show photos to doctors and others to check if it's indeed a tie, and I got the info that he has a class 4 upper lip tie (on the severe side) and a posterior tongue tie. I always knew the way he latched on the breast (and now onto the bottle) was odd, as his lip can't flange out to make a seal around it, causing loss of suction and air to get in (and serious damage to nipples). I gave up breastfeeding as a result of the torture it was causing both he and I. And on the bottle his top lip still does the same thing and he makes clicking suck noises that I'm told are characteristic of tongue/lip ties. I've researched and found a good dr to do the laser procedure to reduce the excess tissue that causes the ties, but I'm second guessing myself. Does anyone have experience with this that could offer me some insight? TIA
2 Replies
I know two children who have had tongue ties and had surgery. Both of those also received support through speech pathologists (they can help with correct feeding tongue positioning etc). The surgery was really simple and very quick recovery. If your not convinced it's a tongue tie (personally I wouldn't rely on an opinion over the internet only) I'd be seeking referrals through GP/paediatrician/ speech therapist to a surgeon.
I have a friend who's both kids were born with tongue ties. She was informed by the health nurse, they were not latching properly & causing her pain. Her dr doesn't believe in them so she took the health nurse advice and traveled an hr away when her babies were newborn and got them snipped. Wasn't a major surgery just a quick nick under the tongue and now they are 100% better.
Could be different with your baby as it's 3mths old & also has lips tied.
Your the mother and if your instincts know it's not right then go get a second opinion as not all drs believe in it. But I wouldn't rely on internet I'd actually go take my baby to someone.
What does your health nurse reckon?
I can get you the info on the place that did it if you want. It's in ballarat vic. Not sure where you are located but I'm sure every state has a specialist, this particular lady was wonderful my friend said & also our health nurse recognised it for her originally.
Good luck it must be stressful
Xx