For new parents, breastfeeding a baby often requires a lot of emotional support. After all, caring for a newborn is hard work, and being responsible for their nourishment is a major responsibility. That’s why when it doesn’t come as easily as you’d hoped, it can cause a lot of emotions. Well meaning family and friends may attempt to offer advice, but the wrong comments can make the situation even harder. If you’re struggling to nurse your child, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or like you’re doing something wrong, but you’re not.
Don’t let bad information or a bad latch prevent you from succeeding. Here’s one common cause of breastfeeding struggles that could be an easier fix than you think.
“Breastfeeding is Supposed to Hurt”
One comment that many new parents hear is that breastfeeding is supposed to hurt. It’s not. While it could take a few days to get used to, it should not be painful for the parent or the child. Discomfort from cracked or bleeding nipples, mastitis, blocked milk ducts, painful latch, or even a low milk supply could indicate a lip tie in your baby.
What is Lip Tie?
Lip tie affects between four and eleven percent of babies, when the frenulum (the tissue holding your lips to your gums) is too short, thick, or tight. When this happens, your baby can struggle to get a proper latch while nursing. This can cause feeding difficulties for the child and pain and nursing challenges for the mother.
Treating Lip Tie
The good news is there’s a safe, effective way to treat lip tie. Your dentist can perform a procedure called a laser frenectomy, which essentially vaporizes the frenulum. Because they use a laser, there is no need to cut any tissue, which means the procedure is both quick and nearly painless. In fact, there is usually minimal bleeding, and your baby may only need local anesthesia or none at all. Also, because there is no cutting, it rarely requires stitches or sutures, and any discomfort typically goes away within a few short hours.
Remember, breastfeeding your baby is a wonderful way to bond and provide nourishment, but it shouldn’t be painful or stressful for you or for them. If your child is struggling to get a proper latch or you are experiencing any other uncomfortable side effects, speak to your dentist today about lip tie and how a laser frenectomy could help make nursing a more positive experience for you both.
About Dr. Singh
Dr. Amar Singh became interested in dentistry when he realized he could make a positive, life-changing difference in patients’ lives on a daily basis, including patients as young as newborns. If you and your child are struggling to succeed at breastfeeding, not only is it not your fault, but it could even be easily treatable with the help of a laser frenectomy.
Don’t let nursing struggles rob you and your child of this important bond. Schedule a consultation at Philadelphia Tongue and Lip Tie Center and learn more about how a laser frenectomy could help make breastfeeding joyful for mother and child.
For an appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 215-874-3787.