P10 - Let's examine the evidence for Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Surgical Treatment

Abstract

The topic of Tongue and Lip Ties is likely to spark conversation and lively debate among parents, midwives and various other health practitioners. How have these minor variations of normal infant anatomy created controversy and division among practitioners, particularly in relation to breastfeeding? Over the past decade the frequency of oral surgeries performed in infants’ mouths has increased exponentially – over 800%. This has been largely driven by social media where breastfeeding mothers are referred by “tie savvy experts” to “preferred providers” to have their babies’ “ties revised”. Consequently, a collaborative “ties industry” has been developed to provide oral surgeries, as well as pre and post “body work” therapies to infants, at considerable expense to their parents. However, have breastfeeding rates increased to match the huge number of oral surgeries being performed? Have all breastfeeding relationships been helped by oral surgery to babies’ mouths, or have some been harmed? What evidence exists to support the multiple oral surgeries performed in babies’ mouths, or the after-care interventions being recommended and carried out? Midwives who are at the front-line with birthing women and supporting the initiation of breastfeeding have a key role in accurate identification of ankyloglossia, as well as a responsibility to collaborate with practitioners who provide evidence-based care when referring babies for surgical treatment. Evidence-based consensus statements published by the Australian Dental Association and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine will be examined to provide guidance to clinicians who support breastfeeding families dealing with infant ankyloglossia. A video demonstration of an infant frenotomy performed by simple scissor division will provide insight into the procedure, with the opportunity for practical Q & A with the presenter.