What Parents Should Know About Tongue Releases

Relaxing the tongue, lips and cheeks is often recommended to facilitate breastfeeding or to prevent health problems. Few studies have shown benefits.

It's an increasingly common scenario facing new mothers across the country: A lactation consultant examines their newborn and suggests cutting a “tongue tie.” can ease their difficulty breastfeeding.

The quick procedure, known as tongue tie release, involves a dentist or doctor cutting a narrow strip of tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom. of the mouth. In recent years, lactation consultants and dentists have aggressively promoted these procedures, even for babies with no signs of a true tongue tie and despite a modest risk of complications, a New York Times investigation recently found.

Many parents, anxious and exhausted, wonder whether they should continue with the procedure, which is often performed with a dental laser. Dentists, lactation consultants and pediatricians often disagree on whether this measure is useful.

The Times spent months investigating the evidence behind language releases and discussed with dozens of experts. Here's what parents considering this procedure should know.

Breastfeeding a newborn can be difficult, even if everything goes well.

The first days of breastfeeding can be difficult. A recent survey of more than 1,400 women found that nearly 40 percent suffered from at least one complication, such as pain when latching, cracked nipples or sore breasts.

These first hurdles can be daunting, especially for new mothers who are surviving on little sleep. The good news: Many mothers report that breastfeeding often gets easier over time, as they and their baby gain more experience.

The Lactation consultants can provide support in these early days of breastfeeding by suggesting ways to position the baby that will decrease the mother's pain. Consultants have become more accessible since Obamacare required health insurers to cover their services. Hospitals and nonprofit organizations like La Leche League also offer support groups for breastfeeding mothers.

A small proportion of babies are born with a tongue tie, which can make breastfeeding more difficult. difficult.

Pediatricians say a true tongue tie is easy to identify. When the baby tries to raise his tongue, it forms a heart shape when the middle is pulled down. Other babies with tongue tie cannot extend their tongue past their lower teeth.

Various studies have estimated that 4 to 11 percent of Babies suffer from tongue tie. If you suspect a connection and are having difficulty breastfeeding, a pediatrician or ear, nose, and throat specialist may intervene after physically examining your baby. (Certified lactation consultants are not supposed to diagnose tongue ties without a medical degree, but can refer babies to specialists.)

Doctors stressed to the Times that many tongue ties are harmless. The procedure is only warranted, they say, when the tongue tie is pronounced and the mother has difficulty breastfeeding.

Small studies have shown that tongue release can reduce nipple pain .

Some providers tout tongue releases as a panacea for everything from sleep apnea and speech delays to cavities and constipation.

Little evidence supports these claims.