The infections are being treated. She is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, as well as a retired La Leche League Leader. When a baby is tongue-tied, even moderately, he may not be able to extend his tongue past his gum line, cupping the breast as he nurses, and properly drawing it deeply into his mouth. The nipple abrasion, in turn, can leave an excellent opening for a bacterial or fungal infection, as happened in your case. Clipping a newborn's frenulum, or the frenulum of a young baby, to allow the tongue a full range of motion, can immediately improve the way breastfeeding feels.
Some moms notice the difference immediately.
When performed on a slightly older baby, it may take a few days or weeks until a baby realizes he can move his tongue easily. When deciding whether or not to have your baby's frenulum clipped, remember, the tongue is not only used in breastfeeding. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child's, please consult your family's health care provider immediately and do not wait for a response from our professionals. Inc. Legal Disclaimer.