Problems after tongue tie division

[user1488622199]

My baby had her tongue tie divided this week at 6 days old. Up to the procedure she was latching and feeding well, but the latch was shallow and causing me immense pain. Since the procedure it’s been a real struggle to get her to latch at all. I’ve tried lots of skin to skin, different positions etc. Yesterday started off as a challenge but by the end of the day she was latching brilliantly and feeding away. She slept a long time overnight and has woken up today with no interest in latching again. We’ve given her a bottle as I was so worried about her. She gulped it down and is now sleeping. I’m going to try and feed again when she wakes up but wondering if anyone has had a similar experience or had any advice? We’re due to see the midwife on Monday but not sure I can continue to try and breastfeed until then if she keeps on refusing.

The 24-48 hrs post division were the worst for feeding, then it got better. We were more like 6 weeks when it got cut tho. Not sure when the division was made?
We didnt do anything more than skin to skin and keep offering tho - however if the low point hadnt been 3am, I suspect DH would have been out buying bottles and formula!

Thanks @PeonyTime. We’re about 4 days past now which is worrying me. My older child also had a tongue tie which was divided at 4 weeks and I don’t remember it being this difficult to get him to latch afterwards.

Do the midwives have a specialist feeding service? I would ring today and see if anyone can support you over the weekend.

It's normal to take between 2 and 4 weeks for complete improvement following a division. They have to relearn how to use their tongue. And of course, it may be a little sore and feel strange for a few days. Keep doing what you're doing, lots of skin to skin etc. A good time to encourage a latch is just as the baby starts stirring before waking up. If baby has slept on you, skin to skin and then wakes for a feed this way, encourage her to latch before she's even wide awake. The biological nurturing/laid back breastfeeding position would be a great position to use. It encourages babies to use their natural reflexes to seek the breast and helps a deep latch.

It will get better, I promise! If your baby is getting frustrated, you could give a very small amount of milk from the bottle and then try and latch again when the edge of hunger has been taken off and she's not as frantic.

I was told to stroke my babies tongue to help them stick it out and use it more between feeds which helped to strengthen unused muscles.

Don't just see the midwife - get an IBCLC (lactation consultant) quickly! They are SO much more knowledgeable and will absolutely be able to help x

Thank you everyone, some really helpful tips. I’m wondering if I have quite a strong let down too, so am trying to keep her upright when feeding. Just worried that she’s losing weight.

Thanks again!