Call: (732) 238-1760
Gina M. Tanios-Rafla, DMD Laser Dentistry
Laser Used with Most Procedures
NO DRILL! NO SHOT! NO SCALPEL!

Breastfeeding

Why is a tongue-tie a problem for breastfeeding?

A baby needs to be able to cup the breast with his tongue to be able to remove milk from the breast well. If the tongue is anchored to the floor of the mouth, the baby cannot do this as well. The baby may not be able to open his mouth wide enough to take in a full mouthful of breast tissue. This can result in ‘nipple-feeding’ because the nipple is not drawn far enough back in the baby’s mouth and constantly rubs against the baby’s hard palate as he feeds. As a result, the mother is likely to suffer nipple trauma.

There are many signs that a baby’s tongue-tie is causing problems with breastfeeding, but you don’t have to have all of them:

  • nipple pain and damage
  • the nipple looks flattened after breastfeeding
  • you can see a compression/stripe mark on the nipple at the end of a breastfeed
  • the baby keeps losing suction while feeding and sucks in air
  • the baby makes a clicking sound when feeding
  • the baby fails to gain weight
  • the baby cannot poke his tongue out beyond his gum or lips
  • his tongue cannot move sideways
  • the tip of his tongue may be notched or heart-shaped when he cries
  • he may readily gag
  • the tip may look flat or square instead of pointed.

Why is an upper lip-tie a problem for breastfeeding?

If a baby has an upper lip-tie, he is not able to flange his lips out over the breast to obtain a good seal. He may slip off the breast easily, as he gets tired. A good seal is important if he is to breastfeed as effectively.

Treatment for tongue-tie or upper-lip tie

If it is deemed that a tongue-tie or upper-lip tie is interfering with breastfeeding, then release of the tight frenulum can improve the baby's ability to breastfeed.

Snipping a tight frenulum in young babies is a simple procedure that takes only a second or two. The procedure is performed with our Waterlase MD - no anesthetic needed! The baby usually breastfeeds straight after the procedure. The mother will often notice a difference in how the baby breastfeeds, but it can take up to 2–3 weeks for a complete improvement to be made. Breastfeeding straight away also helps to stop any slight bleeding, distracts the baby from any discomfort and acts as an analgesic.

 

 

We are a member of ZipMilk.org.  Please click the image below and then click on the Member Professionals tab - you will see Dr. Tanios-Rafla's name listed.


Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.

MOST PROCEDURES DONE WITH LASER! NO SCALPEL, NO BLEEDING, EXCELLENT RESULTS!

 

Testimonials

For almost 7 weeks, my newborn and I suffered. She screamed when I put her to my breast. She cried. She punched. She kicked. In turn, I cried. She dreaded every feed and I dreaded every feed. I had this vision we would be creating an impenetrable bond and it would bring us so much closer. In turn, I felt like she almost hated me. I then began pumping and she still screamed after a feed. After asking multiple pediatricians what the problem was---in which they gave me these answers: "It's colic." "It's just her temperament." "It's reflux." "She will grow out of it." I had had enough. So I researched online and found Dr.Tanios-Rafla. I was not going to wait for her to "grow out of it." Something was terribly wrong and I wanted my baby to not be in so much pain all the time.

Dr. Tanios-Rafla diagnosed my baby with "severe lip and tongue tie" within 30 seconds. I cried. She was the most maternal, compassionate doctor whom I have ever met. She held my baby. Hugged her. Hugged me --and then assured me that from here forward, "all is going to be ok."

The procedure is quick and Dr. Tanios-Rafla's commitment to making sure that the parents know how to complete the exercises is second to none. She asks you to come back for follow-ups, when most doctors would collect your money and forget about your baby. She doesn't. She wants you and baby to be happy and she commits to ensure that happens. Her instructions are clear and she even has a video in case you forget. She also will take your call--even if it's just to vent emotionally as a mom.

This procedure changed our lives -but more importantly, Dr. Tanios-Rafla changed our life. I have a happy baby. A completely new one. And I get teary-eyed that no one told me sooner--until I met Dr Tanios-Rafla.

Do yourself a favor and go see her.

Katie F.

We took our son to see Dr. Rafla when he was 5 weeks old. I had such a difficult time breastfeeding and thought it was normal to be in so much pain. Most people agreed it was including doctors, midwives and the hospital LC (lactation consultant). Friends told me it was okay if I couldn't breastfeed. Many are unable to. But breastfeeding is one of the most important aspects of a child's health and development and significantly impacts the health of their entire life!

Sure enough, after having an LC come to our house, we found out that our son had a tongue and lip tie. The LC referred us to Dr. Rafla, and within a few weeks the difference was night and day!

Dr. Rafla, made us comfortable with the procedure. She was very confident and reassuring. And she was well organized and attentive. It is very obvious that she is an expert in her field. The exercises were key to maintaining the success of the procedure. Dr. Rafla is adamant about them! But not many doctors are or even tell you about they're needed.

Bottom line - If you feel that breastfeeding is very painful and your baby isn't satisfied afterward and/or isn't growing as they should, DON'T GIVE UP! GO TO DR. RAFLA FOR AN EVALUATION!! If your child has a tongue or lip tie, Dr. Rafla can fix it!
Highly recommend! Can you tell?

Jessica W.

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