Do you struggle to breastfeed your baby? Extreme fussiness, colic, acid reflux, a weak latch, and poor weight gain are just a few of the many signs your little one may have a lip or tongue-tie. Cracked nipples, blocked milk ducts, and even mastitis may be causing you to feel depressed or hopeless when it comes to feeding your little one. Fortunately, there is a solution; however, just as important as getting your baby treated for restricted oral tissues is busting nursing myths that can worsen an already frustrating situation. Keep reading to discover three falsehoods about breastfeeding so that you can feel more confident about taking care of your growing baby.
Myth #1: It’s Normal for Breastfeeding to Hurt
Although it may cause some form of discomfort initially, breastfeeding should not be a painful experience. The start of this process does require some adjustment, which can make it slightly uncomfortable; however, with the right techniques, nursing your baby should be a positive experience for both you and your little one.
It’s possible to avoid sore nipples as long as your baby is latching properly. If this is not happening, talking to a lactation consultation or having your little one evaluated for a lip or tongue-tie is essential.
Myth #2: A Lip or Tongue-Tie Will Not Cause Problems with Breastfeeding
Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals buy into the myth that lip and tongue-ties do not play a role in whether a baby will be able to breastfeed. These particular specialists may not have the proper educational background to understand the correlation between limited oral movement and its effect on being able to latch properly.
The reality is that a lip or tongue that cannot move freely can make it more difficult for babies to nurse effectively. As a result, both you and your little one will experience challenges that will not improve if treatment continues to be avoided.
Talking to a trusted pediatric dentist who understands this type of problem can help you decide whether a frenectomy is the right option for your little one, as it releases the tie to allow for a greater range of oral movement.
Myth #3: Your Baby Might Be a Lazy Eater
Your baby instinctively knows what to do when it comes to nursing. When they struggle to latch correctly, they may try to use more energy to get successful results. Unfortunately, when a lip or tongue-tie is the problem, this added exertion can cause them to fall asleep while attempting to breastfeed. As a result, they may be viewed as a “lazy eater.” However, this is not a phrase that should be used, as it’s simply not true. They are struggling because of a restricted band of tissue that is keeping them from getting adequate milk supply.
Over time, if left untreated, they may become malnourished, resulting in poor weight gain and depleted energy levels.
Seeking professional treatment for your baby’s lip or tongue-tie is the most effective way to combat these myths and keep your little one fully satisfied. Not only will this quick and easy procedure lead to successful results, but it will also improve the bond between you and your baby.
About the Author
Dr. Jesse Witkoff is a board-certified pediatric dentist with more than four decades of experience treating lip and tongue-ties. Completing his dental degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he earned his Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. With more than 500 hours of post-graduate education in frenectomies, frenuloplasties, and more, he and his team can safely and easily treat these banded tissues to create greater oral movement as well as happier babies and families. If you have a little one struggling to nurse successfully, contact us at (720) 743-3340.