I cut frenula (frenulum, frenuli, frenulum, frenulo, frenulo, frenula,
frenularum, frenula, frenulis, frenulis), quite often. Once or twice a
week. It is best to do it early and not wait. If done by someone who
knows what they are doing it is rapid and less traumatic to the baby
than an immunization. The baby is usually more bothered by being held
than the procedure itself. It takes two seconds, and usually bleeds no
more than a drop or two.
It is not always possible to know if the procedure helps, as I never
just cut the frenulum. I also help the mother with positioning, use my
"good for all things don't know why it works" nipple ointment, etc. But
there is no doubt that sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't.
Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC
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