Exploring Lip and Tongue Tie Solutions for Your Baby
If you're experiencing difficulties while feeding your newborn, it is possible that a lip or tongue tie could be the underlying cause. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources in Arlington & Northern Virginia for you and your little one!
Here are some things to do in preparation for your infant’s lip and tongue tie evaluation.
Work With a Lactation Consultant – Start by seeking guidance from an IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) who has experience in caring for babies with tethered oral tissues (TOTS), also known as a lip and/or tongue tie. An IBCLC plays a critical role both before and after an infant frenectomy procedure.
Schedule Your Consultation – Call Arlington Tongue Tie Center to schedule a frenectomy consultation with Dr. Allie. You'll receive a link to complete pre-appointment questionnaires – by providing us with this information in advance, we are able to follow up with members of our collaborative care team – like your IBCLC – to discuss each patient’s individual needs. This allows us to provide exceptional, personalized patient care. When scheduling your baby’s consultation, it is helpful to select a date when both parents/caregivers can attend in order to benefit from the educational information and instructions provided.
During the Consultation – Dr. Allie will conduct a comprehensive examination and discuss clinical findings related to the anatomy of your baby's tongue, lips, buccal/cheeks, jaw size/shape/position, and their impact on function. Current symptoms and future considerations will also be reviewed. Dr. Allie will spend time discussing the benefits and risks, as well as demonstrating the aftercare exercises with each family.
Post-Procedure – We recommend keeping your schedule flexible after the frenectomy procedure. Try to avoid travel or major activities following the release.
Dr. Allie and the team at Arlington Tongue Tie Center prides itself on the quality of care we provide our families. Our office is here to answer any questions and ensure you feel fully prepared for your visits. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to finding the best solution for your baby's lip or tongue tie. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for assistance throughout the process!
