Resources

Collaborative Care

Dr. Caroline Thomas greatly values a collaborative treatment approach. Prior to having a tongue-tie or lip-tie evaluation, an infant should ideally first be evaluated by the pediatrician and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or feeding specialist (SLP, OT, or MFT).

Working with a trained functional specialist to evaluate oral reflexes and postural habits can help to more fully diagnose the root cause of the infant’s symptoms and can clarify the potential link between a tight frenum and the symptom presentation.

Bodywork is also a helpful piece of the puzzle for many infants. A pediatric craniosacral therapist, myofunctional therapist, chiropractor, osteopath, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or massage therapist specially trained in infant bodywork is often beneficial before and after frenectomy to improve structural mobility and address range of motion limitations, weak or tense body tone, and sensory motor difficulties.

Dr. Thomas will be happy to provide you with a list of excellent local collaborative care providers.

Symptom Checklist

Mom’s Symptoms:

  • Painful nursing

  • Prolonged feedings

  • Cracked, creased, flattened nipples

  • Bleeding nipples

  • Lipstick-shaped nipples

  • Poor breast drainage

  • Decreased milk production

  • Plugged ducts, engorgement, mastitis

  • Nipple thrush

  • Using a nipple shield

  • Feeling like feeding the baby is a full-time job

Baby’s Symptoms:

  • Poor latch at breast or bottle

  • Falls asleep while feeding

  • Slides on and off the nipple

  • Lip blisters

  • Cries often/fussy often

  • Reflux/colic symptoms

  • Spits up often

  • Clicking or smacking noises when eating

  • Gagging or choking

  • Gassy burps and toots

  • Poor weight gain

  • Biting/chewing the nipple

  • Pacifier falls out easily

  • Milk dribbles out of corners of mouth or nose

  • Short sleeping

  • Noisy mouth breathing

  • Snoring/congested nose

  • Frustration while feeding

  • More than 20 mins per feeding required after newborn period

  • Eating more frequently than every 2-3 hours

Our Technology

At Serenity Tongue-Tie Center, Dr. Thomas uses a state-of-the-art CO2 LightScalpel laser because it is quick, gentle, and safe, especially on infants’ soft tissue.

The laser is extremely selective and precise, so that Dr. Thomas has maximum control and supreme accuracy on babies’ tiny anatomy.

LightScalpel CO2 laser does not produce heat, which promotes faster healing and minimizes the risk of bleeding, discomfort, or infection that can occur with traditional surgical techniques, diode lasers, or electrocautery.

The best part is that with the Lightscalpel infant frenectomy technique, there is no anesthesia needed!

Future Problems, If Left Untreated

  • Trouble Eating Solids - choking, gagging, slow or picky eating, small appetite

  • Speech Delays - trouble with sounds: R, L, S, K, G, SH, CH; trouble singing

  • Airway Issues - poor development of sinuses, mouth breathing, snoring, tonsil enlargement

  • Poor Sleep Quality - restless sleep, sleep apnea, teeth grinding, poor behavior, ADHD, affected brain development, insufficient growth hormone released

  • Poor Dental Development - high arched palate, crowded teeth, tongue thrust, braces

  • GI Symptoms - reflux, constipation, GI distress

What if there was something that could help you both?

A 15 second procedure can change your child’s future.

You are a great parent.