The Three Areas of Pre- and Post-Frenectomy Care for Babies:

Lactation Support, Bodywork, and Oral Motor/Feeding Therapy

One of the biggest misunderstandings about frenectomies is that the actual procedure is all that is needed to “fix” a baby with tongue tie. The goal when treating ties is to restore optimal oral function; however, in most cases, in addition to the frenectomy, both the parents and the child will need the help of multiple specialists in order to achieve this goal.

Finding the right help is important. As you can see below, there are many types of providers that fall under each broad category, but the MOST important quality to look for, no matter which type of provider you are searching for, is to make sure that they are educated in the problems related to ties and oral dysfunction – this means they have taken EXTRA education in these areas.

Do not assume that these types of providers automatically know about ties and oral dysfunction.

1. Lactation Support

Lactation specialists will help with breastfeeding, as well as pumping and bottle-feeding issues.

Type of Providers:

Professional level:

--International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

Peer to Peer level:

--La Leche League

--WIC Peer Counselors

Certified level:

--Advanced Lactation Consultant (ALC)

--Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

--Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS)

--Certified Lactation Educator (CLE)

--Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC)

--Lactation Educator Counselor (LEC)

2. Bodywork

If there are oral restrictions, there are whole body restrictions - bodywork allows for full and symmetrical motion of the head and neck which will improve motion in the jaw and mouth.

More info: http://www.ankyloglossiabodyworkers.com/benefits-of-bodywork.html

Types pf Providers:

Special Modalities you may see mentioned:

--Chiropractor

--Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

--Dr of Cranial Osteopathy (DO)

--Occupational Therapist (OT)

--Physical Therapist (PT)

--Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST)

--Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR)

--Neuromuscular Integration

3. Oral Motor/Feeding Therapy

Retraining the tongue and other oral muscles is IMPERATIVE to see good results. In order to have optimal function, baby must be evaluated and treated by a specialized therapist.

Types of Providers:

--Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)