I have an interesting tidbit for you guys regarding tight frenulums. It's
actually *not* breastfeeding related because the poor babe is being fed the
other stuff. The nurses noted from the beginning that he had a *bruised
tongue*. When I saw him the next day, it was immediately obvious that he had
a significant tongue-tie: notched and everything. He was feeding slowly via
bottle, but was only 36 weeks. His tongue did have a darker color to the
anterior rim, but this coloration seemed to come and go. I attributed it to
venous congestion somehow relating to the tongue-tie. I figured he was just
eating slowly because he was early and I was just going to watch him
regarding the tongue-tie since he wasn't breastfeeding. As I discussed this
with the mom, I convinced myself that I ought to have the ENT look at his
tongue while he was in the hospital. The ENT came to see him that day and
with only very mild hemming and hawing, agreed that his frenulum might as
well be clipped. OK- here's the interesting part: he fed much better after
the procedure! So, clipping these frenuli may not be helpful for just the
*weird breastfeeders*! This perhaps (with my sample of one!) may be a
feeding issue for all babies. Not to mention the kissing issue noted
previously by someone else. I talked with the baby's dad today too. He had
his frenulum clipped in the third grade. Not the best time according to him
(a little late). BTW, today I couldn't see darker color to his tongue.


Regarding nursing gowns and hospital gowns: when I delivered in the
hospital, I wore a T shirt that I felt good in. By the time Teagan was born,
it was drenched in sweat. So I just wrapped a sheet around myself and wore
that for the rest of the day. Despite of all of the time I've spent in
hospitals with my training, I have to admit, I haven't seen anyone else wear
a sheet like I did. But hey, it worked well and when Teagan nursed, it just
relaxed right on down, giving her ample access to my breast.

Mari Douma, DO