As far as breastfeeding is related to tongue-tie, aren't we focusing on
whether breastfeeding is painful or ineffective *because* of the short or
tight frenulum??  So if we see a tight frenulum which is initially causing
problems and then over a period of time doesn't cause any more problems....
would that lead us to believe that the frenulum "stretched"?  Maybe some
physicians are referring to this phenomenon.

Personally I did have this happen with one of my clients.  On day 3 I
noticed that baby had a classic heart-shaped tongue and inability to bring
the tongue over the gum-line.  Breastfeeding was extremely painful.
Pediatrician told parents it would "stretch".  I gave them all the articles
about it.  They decided to wait and between day 7 and 14, the pain went away
and baby was able to extend tongue.  Still not very far, but over gumline.
I didn't measure the tongue, but it was a clear difference in function.  I'm
still in contact with this mom and she hasn't had problems with
breastfeeding since those first few days and her baby is happy, healthy and
7 months old now.  I personally think this baby will have to have it clipped
as he gets older for reasons other than breastfeeding, but we'll see.  Now
during those days while mom was in pain, she was using extreme asymmetrical
latch and positioning so that chin was even farther in than normal.  That
and pumping and bottle feeding and being determined not to give up, helped
her though that difficult time.

So, yes, I think the ped should have clipped the tongue on day three and
spared this mom the pain.  Another mom would have quit breastfeeding.  But
on the other hand, he was right and the tongue did stretch *enough* that
breastfeeding was effective and painfree.

Regards,
Cindi Swisher, RN, IBCLC


> Regarding waiting to see if the frenulum will stretch (and other
> reasons for waiting):  Yes, sometimes they do seem to take care of
> themselves.

Winnie, in your above statement is this based on observation and comments
shared or is there research that backs this?
I am looking for documentation of short frenulum being measured with regard
to the tongue's ability to extend over the gum line and lift.
I wonder when statements are made that the frenulum will stretch is this
really what happens or does this baby/child compensates so as not to draw
attention to the short frenulum?
Still looking for some concrete answers but not sure if there are any out
there.

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