In a message dated 4/17/02 11:07:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> If they say they clip newborns with a topical or
> local anesthetic if the baby has feeding problems, that would be my
> first choice.
>

Dear Catherine,
I took note of your comment about the use of an anesthetic for clipping
frenulums and the current discussion of breastfeeding as a source of pain
relief for the baby.
What babies object to when they have their frenulum clipped is being
restrained and their tongue held.  The clipping is very brief and about the
same as clipping a hang nail.  The local anesthesia does not keep the baby
happy during this procedure and what the baby needs is to nurse right
afterwards.  If any anesthesia is used then the baby is unable to nurse.  I
am only talking about the simple clipping where the frenulum is thin, with
some give and there are no blood vessels in the way.
Ann Perry RN, IBCLC
Boston, MA

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