Tracey Carolan IBCLC

There are plenty of specialists who are now assessing for oral restrictions.
However, simply having a tongue tie does not mean your baby needs to have a frenectomy.

You should always be referred to a tie savy IBCLC who will of course do a functioning oral exam but also watch an entire feed, on breast and bottle if necessary.
Then after that will come up with a plan that may or may not include a frenectomy.

The only reason a frenectomy should be done on an infant is if the oral restriction is causing feeding issues that cant be solved any other way. And even then it should be a benefit/ risk discussion because its not always a cure all.

Your team should be working together to ensure you and your baby are supported the best way possible.

A client was told today to night wean her little due to some early signs of decay.

This is NOT ok.

Breastmilk alone does not cause cavities or decay.
Multiple studies have been done to show this.
And in fact, breastmilk actually protects and prevents dental issues in the future.

Once your child is consuming solid food then brushing teeth/gums becomes important as the combination of solid food particles and breastmilk is what can cause damage.

La Leche League has a great article with all sources cited. I encourage you to take a look and bring them to your next dentist appointment.
Until then feed those babies to sleep and continue to meet their needs all night long.

https://www.lllc.ca/oral-development

Did you know theres almost like a button on your infants chin, when touched they open their mouth.

In this photo Im not putting any pressure or puling her chin down, just a gentle touch and she opened nice and wide

This is why your babies chin should touch your breast first, they will open wide and latch.

And most important the latch feels painless and the position is comfortable.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1271869708446724&id=100068711203876

Sharing the La Leche League statement: https://llli.org/news/cow-milk-formula-allergy-position/