Tethered Oral Tissue Release Among Breastfed Infants: Maternal Sources of Information and Treatment

Abstract

Background:

Despite limited clinical consensus regarding surgery for tethered oral tissues (“tongue-tie”) for resolving breastfeeding-related issues, the procedure has been increasing in the United States. Greater understanding of maternal experiences with obtaining surgical release may help to improve breastfeeding outcomes.

Research Aim:

To explore experiences of breastfeeding mothers with infants having undergone “tongue-tie” surgery.

Method:

This online, cross-sectional, observational survey occurred between August and September 2020. Eligibility included being ≥ 18 years of age and previously or currently breastfeeding an infant with ≥ 1 tissue surgically released. Of 463 screens, 318 mothers were eligible and 115 consented. The final sample was 90.

Results:

The sample was predominantly white (n = 86; 95%), non-Hispanic (n = 84; 93%), married/cohabitating (n = 85; 94%), and currently providing their own milk (n = 81; 89%).

Difficult latch was the primary reason for seeking help. Participants reported lingual (n = 84; 93%), labial (n = 79; 88%), and buccal (n = 16; 17%) tissue-release, with 80% (n = 73) reporting > 1 released. For each tissue released, > 80% (n = 72) of participants felt “very confident” in their ability to correctly identify it and 97% (n = 87) felt “very involved” and “strongly agreed” with surgical release. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants^® were the most frequently identified source of information (n = 45; 50%) and referrals (n = 38; 42%), while pediatric dentists most frequently performed interventions (n = 60; 67%).

Conclusions:

Participants reported being confident, involved, and in agreement with surgical release and lactation support professionals were frequent information and referral sources.

Keywords

ankyloglossia breastfeeding breastfeeding difficulties breastfeeding experience cross-sectional online survey maternal behavior southeastern United States tongue-tie

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