ASK THE CPCMG PEDIATRICIAN:
WHAT’S A FRENOTOMY?
My pediatrician has recommended a frenotomy for my baby since we’ve had some breastfeeding challenges and my baby is underweight. How will a frenotomy help?
Your baby may have a condition called ankyloglossia, more commonly known as tongue-tie. This condition happens when the frenulum (the thin piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth) is too close to the tip of the tongue. This means your baby can’t fully stick out their tongue and may have problems latching successfully to your breast.
Not every baby with a tongue-tie will have problems breastfeeding, but some may benefit from a procedure called a frenotomy. This is a simple procedure is done by lifting tongue with a “tongue elevator” which protects the base of the tongue and guides the location of the cut. Scissors are used to clip the frenulum. Pressure is applied to stop the bleeding.
A frenotomy is best done by a CPCMG pediatrician or an ear, nose and throat doctor. Please talk with your CPCMG pediatrician if you’re having problems breastfeeding. They can help or refer you to one our lactation consultants.
