Hi Carolyn,
I have a few suggestions for your frenotomy study.
Please look at:
infant's palate shape, height.

tongue mobility: especially elevation, but also extension, transverse
movements, ability to   groove longitudinally.  look at compensatory
movements that a baby makes when the tongue is tied- such as humping
(elevation of the posterior tongue) and twisting, and asymmetric cupping
and elevation (lifting only one side of the tongue).

feeding parameters:  amount of milk transferred over a standard period
of time, maternal comfort, bolus control (ability to hold milk in mouth
for a controlled swallow), post feed discomfort/crying/fussing (which is
often related to either continued hunger or poor bolus control).

Maternal comfort and nipple /breast injury during feeding.


It would be wise to follow the infants for at least a few weeks after
the frenotomy, because some babies "get" how to suck properly right
away, others take time.  You could also look at weaning rates in babies
with tt who got frenotomy, vs. those who did not get treatment, vs.
normal controls.

I look forward to hearing of your results!
--
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