Often, mothers grapple with feelings of guilt when considering procedures for their children, mainly if the child seems unaffected by breastfeeding challenges. However, it’s crucial to recognize that anything compromising a mother’s ability to breastfeed inevitably puts the baby at risk. The focus should be on optimizing breastfeeding duration without external factors dictating weaning. Sometimes, this means prioritizing the mother’s symptoms over the baby’s, especially if her discomfort is more severe.

What are the repercussions for mothers when dealing with a poor latch due to tongue-tie or lip-tie in their babies?

Nipple Damage

A primary consequence of a baby’s inadequate latch due to tongue or lip restrictions is nipple damage. In such cases, if the baby can’t properly flange out their lip, it rolls inward, resulting in a shallow latch. Similarly, a restricted tongue fails to cup and lift the breast within the oral cavity, leading to exposure of the lower gumline. Nipple damage signs may include creased or flattened nipples, white discoloration (blanching) from compression, and even cracking, bruising, or blistering in severe cases. Long-term nerve damage may persist even after latch improvement.

Pain while breastfeeding

Pain during breastfeeding is a prevalent symptom often disregarded by healthcare providers. While initial sensitivity is joint, persistent toe-curling pain associated with breastfeeding a tongue-tied baby is severe enough to induce dread. Continuous discomfort can lead to premature weaning, even if the pain is less intense but persistent.

Incomplete Breast Drainage

Babies with tongue or lip restrictions may struggle to empty the breast adequately due to various reasons, including falling asleep prematurely, forming an improper seal, or inability to create sufficient negative intraoral pressure. Stagnant milk may indicate future issues with declining milk supply and could precede mastitis.

Breast Disease

Compromised breast health from traumatic latching jeopardizes milk supply. Infected nipples from cracking can escalate to breast abscesses. Surface trauma may lead to thrush transmission between mother and baby. Additionally, superficial bacterial infections, blebs, or plugged ducts can occur. Recurrent mastitis, often triggered by a poor latch, requires serious attention and can lead to hospitalization and sudden drops in milk supply.

Addressing Breastfeeding as a Collaborative Effort

Long-term breastfeeding success in babies with anatomical latching challenges necessitates a holistic approach involving both mother and child. Neglecting persistent maternal symptoms or propagating a culture that disregards maternal needs undermines the dyad’s supportive treatment. It’s imperative to stop dismissing mothers’ symptoms and cultivate an environment that prioritizes their well-being alongside the baby’s.