My advice would be to think of it this way - what is the worse that
could happen if you have it fixed?  If this is a labial frenulum - I
have seen orthodontists clip them to correct too wide spacing between
the upper 2 front teeth.  That may be just cosmetic but to some that
would be important - even if breastfeeding comfort is not.
Jane Kershaw, RN, BA, IBCLC
Coordinator 
"A Mother's Place"
Lactation Support Services
Women's Hospital @ Centennial




-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Angela Chivers
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:16 PM
Subject: Need Advice

Hello Lactnetters,

My son is 7 months old, and has had a shallow latch since birth.  I have
worked with his latch and nursed in every position that I know to
correct and improve his latch.  He self-attached within an hour after
birth and seemed to be doing very well.  By day three I noticed that he
had a difficult time flanging his upper lip no matter what I did.  He
would clamp on my nipple and cause compression stripes.  I have also
dealt with Raynaud's since I had my first child seven years ago, which
became very intense with this nursling. We have dealt with yeast off and
on his entire life, and nursing him has never been comfortable. 

I stumbled upon Dr. Brian Palmers presentation regarding labial frenums
and a couple of old Le Leche League articles and thought I had found my
answer.  
My son has a very thick, prominent labial frenum.  I spoke with our
family Dr. 
and he had never heard of the labial frenum causing breastfeeding
problems, and was reluctant to clip himself.  He ended up calling Dr.
Palmer who quickly returned our phone call.  I spoke with a few of the
Dr.'s and nurses at the hospital where I work, and they have never heard
of the labial frenum being a problem, and felt that a frenectomy would
not be needed. My Dr. ended up sending us to an oral surgeon.  We were
finally able to meet with the surgeon yesterday.  I explained to the
surgeon that I work with breastfeeding dyads and why I felt that this
was my sons problem.  He told me that labial frenums do not affect
breastfeeding (in his experience).  He also said that if I thought that
my son was having pain, or that I really felt that it affected his
feeding, he would perform a frenectomy.

I would love to gain some wisdom from any of you who have dealt with
this situation before.  At this point I have an appointment in two weeks
to have the frenectomy, but I don't want to push the issue if I am
sincerely wrong.  

Thank you!

Angela Chivers, CLC, BFPC

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email:
set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To
unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules
and directions: get lactnet welcome

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome