Tongue Tie Release (Frenotomy)

LAKEVIEW BREASTFEEDING CLINIC

Tongue Tie Release (Frenotomy): What to Expect

The procedure can cause a brief stinging feeling The baby may cry for 1-5 minutes The younger the baby the less crying

There may be a few drops of blood Any bleeding stops after a minute or two

Sucking at the breast, bottle or soother is usually the best way to sooth her or him

An older baby may need a walk-about or other distractions

After you leave the Clinic:

There will normally be no bleeding or infection

In some case a white-to-yellow healing patch may be seen for a week or so

In almost all cases the baby has no more discomfort

If an older baby seems out-of-sorts that day you may give Advil or Tylenol drops

Expectations:

In the large majority the release will help the baby latch better Other measures such as a shield may be needed

This improvement may take some time or may be immediate

A severe tongue tie not released can cause speech, dental and feeding problems.

Evelyn Jain M.D.,FCFP, FABM