Hi Carol,
This baby has been using mainly the posterior tongue for 4 + 9 months
now.  The older a baby is when a frenotomy is performed, the longer it
takes for the baby to learn the normal peristaltic motions.  In my
practice, 3 or 4 month olds have required about 1-2 weeks to "get it".
Usually I suggest that mom give baby 24-48 hours to just breastfeed
after frenotomy.  If they are not improving their oral motor skills by
then, I see them to work on some "suck work".
Some things that might work with a child who has recently had a
frenotomy:

Allow the baby to suck on a finger or gel filled, cyllindrical
pacifier.  Gently withdraw finger or pacifier while simultaneously
pressing the tip of finger/paci down on the midline of the tongue, from
about midtongue to tongue-tip.  This stimulates tongue extension.

To improve tongue grooving:  Press a finger, pacifier or toothbrush
trainer gently along the midline of the tongue.  Rotate it slightly
toward the left, then back to midline, then toward the right, then to
midline again.  This stimulates the tongue muscles that cause the tongue
to groove.

Of course, these should be done respectfully and gently, as a game with
the child's full participation.
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[log in to unmask]

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html