A release, also known as a frenectomy, is when the connection of tissue that is restricting proper movement of the tongue or lip is removed. When baby has this restriction it may harm their ability to breastfeed, take a bottle, or a pacifier. Babies who have lip ties have a harder time getting a grasp on a nipple and almost always also have tongue ties.
In a recent informal poll on a Facebook page for healthcare professionals dealing with tongue and lip ties, every one of the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in private practice who responded stated that the vast majority (over 90%) of the babies they saw had tongue and/or lip ties.
At Blossom Un•tied, we perform laser lip and tongue tie releases for newborns and babies. We strive to see patients within the following 48 hours after the initial consultation. Our laser is a superior approach to performing frenectomies when compared with hot diode lasers and scissors. Our CO2 laser gently ablates the attachment that is limiting appropriate movement of the lip or tongue and minimizes any bleeding.
We are a mobile practice and can come to the family's home to evaluate and, if necessary, treat the lip & tongue tie. We also partner with lactation consultants from Blossom Birth and Wellness Center to provide evaluation and necessary treatments in their practices. These environments are comfortable and supportive to both the infant and the family. This also reduces the number of visits and exposure to potential sickness that a healthy baby has to make to a pediatrician's busy practice.
Recognition and treatment of lip & tongue tie is vital to supporting and protecting the breastfeeding relationship. The proper treatment and release affects the patient's health both now and into their future.
How Does It Work?
Mom and/or Dad should accompany baby to the frenectomy release appointment. Any other support people are also welcome to attend the appointment. Dr. Bower will examine the baby and ask mom and any supporting family members some questions about how breast or bottle feeding is going. These findings will allow Dr. Bower to determine if a lip and/or tongue tie is present and if a release is necessary.
If the family decides to move forward with the release procedure, in most cases, it can be done on the same day as the evaluation.