Lip Tie?

nykimac

So in case you haven't read any of my previous posts, the short version of my story is that I've had painful feeding sessions (every one) with my daughter since birth and she is now almost 5 months old. I have seen doctors and lactation consultants (and midwives and doulas), all of who have no idea why I'm having pain. I treated for Thrush for 9 weeks just to find out we never had it, I had her tongue clipped underneath, we have a great looking latch, etc. The last LC told me that it was just "how I am". Tonight when looking in her mouth I realized that her top lip is super attached to her gums. It creates a line that goes towards the inside of her mouth (if that makes sense). Anyone deal with this? Is there anything I can do? 

tokenhoser

I had a friend with a baby with this issue - she got it clipped. And the pain went away the next nursing session.

Have you had a consult with a ENT? I'd get one, as soon as you can.

nykimac

I've met with an ENT before for getting her tongue clipped and that did absolutely nothing for us. I will have to make an appointment soon so that I can be referred again. This has been so much work, I really hope that this is actually our problem!

tokenhoser

Well, maybe a pedi would be able to deal better? I'm guessing it depends more on the induvidual doc than the actual specialty. Have you hooked into LLL? They might know which doctors are more knowledgeable about bfing problems.

TayLynn

It's so frustrating and stressful to deal with tongue ties.  ((hugs))  Some docs aren't very supportive of clipping tongue ties despite the AAP's recommendations.

Yes, it's called a labial tie.  There could be one on the bottom lip too which could prevent her mouth from flanging open as wide as possible.  Sometimes they don't want to clip an upper labial tie because it can affect the gum line.

After the tongue tie was clipped, did you do any exercises to help the baby learn to use her tongue and mouth better?

A pediatric surgeon may be more comfortable doing the clipping than an ENT doc.  I would contact LLL or an LC for a breastfeeding friendly surgeon. 

https://www.aap.org/breastfeeding/files/pdf/bbm-8-27%20Newsletter.pdf

 For some the relief after a tongue clipping maybe immediate.  For others it may take some time for the baby to learn to effectively use his tongue with the new freedom.

Hang in there!

Cali1012

TayLynn:

It's so frustrating and stressful to deal with tongue ties.  ((hugs))  Some docs aren't very supportive of clipping tongue ties despite the AAP's recommendations.

Yes, it's called a labial tie.  There could be one on the bottom lip too which could prevent her mouth from flanging open as wide as possible.  Sometimes they don't want to clip an upper labial tie because it can affect the gum line.

After the tongue tie was clipped, did you do any exercises to help the baby learn to use her tongue and mouth better?

A pediatric surgeon may be more comfortable doing the clipping than an ENT doc.  I would contact LLL or an LC for a breastfeeding friendly surgeon. 

https://www.aap.org/breastfeeding/files/pdf/bbm-8-27%20Newsletter.pdf

 For some the relief after a tongue clipping maybe immediate.  For others it may take some time for the baby to learn to effectively use his tongue with the new freedom.

Hang in there!

Agree with PP - our baby had a posterior tongue tie (more of a problem for her) and also a labial tie on the top (less of a problem for her). We went to an ENT that was highly recommended by LCs in the area- he actually called himself the "tongue king" when we were in his office. He definitely unofficially specialized in fixing this problem and that's what we wanted. We had the bottom snipped but haven't done anything with the top. It seems ENTs can be more hesitant to snip the top, but if you take them to the right doctor, they will do what needs to be done. Also, you may have to go back a second time if you don't see results. We were fine so we didn't have to go back, but we also did the tongue exercises with the baby afterwards, which helped immensely.