Just found out 7 week old baby has tongue-tie - what to do?

[Elsbells]

I am having the most miserable time bf DD. I am still getting very sore nipples and really not looking forward to the feeds.

I decided to pop along to yet another breastfeeding support group where I was told my latch is fine (been to 4 now in total and always told the same thing - latch/positioning good etc). They had a midwife there and she was concerned that it was still hurting me at 7 weeks and just notice that DD has a very slight tongue-tie and has refered us to get it snipped.

Is that wise to do? Will it really help with the bf soreness/pain? And in the meantime, do I just deal with painful nursing (just invested in some Silverettes, hope it helps).

I have had so MANY problems bf DD (low supply, pain, mastitis etc) that I am mixed feeding but am hoping that once the procedure is done we can re-establish 100% bf and we can get on with enjoying each other.

Do we have hope.

You poor thing - and well done for continuing with the bf!

I know someone's who baby had tongue tie, and it is very simple to correct.

Hope it helps you and your little one!

I looked after a LO with his tongue tied and he had it snipped but the HA wouldnt do it until he was over 1. It never caused him any problems except he dribbled a lot but then again some babies are more dribbly than others.

My DD had hers snipped at 5 weeks and the immediate change was amazing. The pain on feeding disappeared instantly, and DD began to gain weight. The op itself is very straightforward. The DR snips the frenulem with a pair of scissors, baby cries and is put to the breast which comforts immediately. There were 2 drops of blood.

Go for it Elsbells

Oh that is really reassuring...I am just hoping it will all be ok once done (now the when is the question - waiting to hear).

I just hope we can finally get bf back on track.

Elsbells, I had exactly the same thing with ds. Started a thread on it here It might help you to give it a read.

You need to get seen ASAP. Where are you in the country? The consultant at Norwich is very sympathetic and saw me immediately (next morning) when I was refered because he knew how painful it can be and how much it helps. It felt different straight away and ds was fine. There is also a good consultant at Southhampton.

In the meantime make sure you latch as best you can each feed. If you think it's a bit poor, then take off dd and start again. Nipple shields could help. Lansinoh is amazing, put on before and after feeds. And keep boobs out in the air as much as poss. Also paracetamol helps.

I had SO MANY probs all stemming from the tt - cracked nipples, thrush, mastitis (twice) etc etc. It's awful. Hang in there lovely. It does really get better xx

Eca, just read through your thread. I am still waiting for the hospital to call about getting it done and am wondering where people go to do it privately. I live in North London and will start investigating.

I have started wearing shields anyhow as DD sometimes wants the feel of the silicone. It is a tad embarrassing to use in public BUT if it means she feeds off me and it is not too sore for me then I guess who cares, right?

I just feeling more determined to at least keep bf longer (I have wanted to stop so many times that if someone said I would have lasted this far 5 weeks ago I would have laughed and said yeah right).

Els, you really must get it done asap. My GP diagnosed and the procedure was done the following day. There must be loads of places in London you can get it done privately. When I was going through that nightmare time(one of the worst experiences ever for me), I rang the clinic in Southampton who do all the research, and they gave me lots of information. The place DD had hers done were undertaking research too, and would probably guide you in the right direction. It was at Pinderfields hospital in Wakefield. I will try and find the number for you.

Here it is, Mrs Clarke 01924 212082. Ask them if they know of anywhere private you can get it done.

The list of places who do it in London include Tooting and Camberwell hospitals. You can find the list by googling tongue-tie Pinderfields. I'd do a link for you, but don't know how.

I don't mean to alarm you Elsbells, but when I had it done they told me the earlier you get it done the better. Good luck

All sorted.
DD had the tongue tie "fixed" earlier today and she had a feed straight after and already I could feel a difference.

Now I just need to wean her off the nipples shields. Any suggestions (may start a new thread on this actually).

Thanks for all your advice. I am lucky to be near one of the very few hospitals that takes care of this.

That's fantastic news! Hurray!