Latch getting worse after tongue tie division ?

[Musicmummy24]

8week old DS had his tongue tie snipped earlier this week. It was a minor one but with thick tissue. We’ve had our issues with latching and only managed to get him on bare breast a week before procedure.

im worried because post tongue tie his latch seemed better. Softer and less aggressive. But in the last 2 days the latch seems to have got more shallow again. He is more frustrated again. And it is strong (maybe not painful) upon initial latch.

is this normal? Also can babies still get adequate milk from a fairly shallow latch? I dont even know if it’s shallow at this point. He does a big gape but will only take maybe an inch (if I’m lucky) around the nipple. Is this ok? Any advice welcome. Worried about weight gain and generally efficiency.

TIA

It takes them time to work out how to feed effectively with their new freer tongue, so it might get worse before it gets better. Can you access any breastfeeding support groups that can help you with positioning and attachment, that will be key. Also access your health visitor clinic to get baby weighed to be reassured they are getting enough.

Mine took 2 weeks from frenulectomy to being able to latch properly.

@OMGsamesame what did you do during those two weeks? We did division 4 days ago and he hasn't been able to latch since. I'm currently using nipple shields but I read online that's not a long term solution?

Completely normal and I so wish they made that clear at the time as I went into DD’s appointment thinking it was going to be a magic fix. Essentially they have to relearn the latch after treatment so it can take a week or two before things get better. If you have a breastfeeding support group near you it’s worth reaching out to them so they can help you through it.

We continued triple feeding - i would try to breast feed without shield, try with shield if baby didnt latch and then try to remove after about 10 miins, and then we topped up (using finger feeding but orhers would use bottle at that point). After 2 weeks I had one day where DS latched 4 times without the shields which was amazing, the following day he refused my breast altogether and I was distraught. The following day he latched at every feed and has been latching ever since.

@OMGsamesame thank you so much for sharing. It's very encouraging that it took you guys 2 weeks but in the end you got there.

I also do triple feeding but so far no luck. Frustratingly, he latches without problem when our lactation consultant is here. So I know he can do it but I just don't seem to be able to get him there by myself. But I'll keep trying 💪

I found the same @Simba12345 !

I think my nipples were too flat to begin with. Boobs big and soft and baby small.

Have you got a proper breastfeeding pillow? That was one easy tweak.

@OMGsamesame Yes, I have a good breastfeeding pillow!

By some miracle he latched last night 🎉He's since latched a few times again but sometimes he doesn't. But it's a big learning curve for him, the poor guy was 75% tied. At least now I know we can do it and I'm hopeful we'll be able to breastfeed without issues long term. Good news also that his latch is now not painful anymore. Before the division it was agony...

That's really good news. Fingers crossed this is a new chapter for you both. It must be tiring for the little ones to (re-)learn how to latch - tough on their jaw and tongue muscles!