Dear Pierrette,

This is my experience from watching an older physician clip my daughter's tongue:
 
No anesthetic was needed. The frenulum should be paper-thin like saran wrap. If it is thick or vascular, refer to an ENT or oral surgeon. Have someone hold the infant's head. Use gauze or a fancy tongue lifter to lift the tongue. The clip was mid-way down the frenulum and only 1-2mm long. He didn't worry about getting the whole thing. Her feeding seemed to tear the rest. There was about 1/2 a drop of blood and the whole thing seemed about as painful as a hangnail. The worst part for her was being held down. I put her to breast immediately to quell any crying. The difference was immediate and she didn't ever seem to have any lingering discomfort. 
    Actually, my whole attitude after having this done for my daughter was, "What WAS all the fuss about?" It's SO easy.

Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

Kate McIntosh MD FAAP
Benzonia, MI
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