Objective: The objective of this report is to present the case of a neonate who presented to a chiropractor with tongue-tie causing breastfeeding difficulties as well as to evaluate the evidence for the frenotomy procedure.
Design: Case report.
Clinical features: A mother presented to the clinic for breastfeeding difficulties. Upon examination, the three-week-old neonate had clear signs of tongue-tie. The mother also had cracked and bleeding nipples associated with a poor latch caused by tongue-tie.
Intervention and outcome: After evaluation of the case, a frenotomy procedure was suggested to improve tongue function and reduce the breastfeeding difficulties and nipple injury. Following the frenotomy, the pain decreased substantially on latch-on and during the feed. The nipples began to heal as well.
Conclusions: It is becoming more common for neonates with biomechanical dysfunctions affecting breastfeeding to present to a chiropractor. This biomechanical dysfunction along with congenital limitations should be explored to solve breastfeeding issues. This case suggests that the frenotomy procedure can help breastfeeding difficulties linked to tongue-tie. Considering the evidence published in the literature on the effectiveness of frenotomy with very few complications, it is the author's view that patients experiencing breastfeeding difficulties caused by tongue-tie should consider the procedure.
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