Dr. Ghaheri has written an excellent article titled "How to Examine a Baby for Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie"
The only purpose of this post is to demonstrate how to examine a baby who may have a tongue-tie or lip-tie. Future posts will help to explain the symptoms of intraoral restrictions that can impact breastfeeding.
Our first year of medical school includes proper examination technique. For instance, if you don't know where to put your stethoscope, you might miss a heart murmur. Unfortunately, we aren't instructed on how to examine a baby who is having breastfeeding problems. If you don't know how to properly examine a baby for tongue-tie or lip-tie, you will be more inclined to say that they don't exist.
The first step is adequate illumination. A headlight is a great option and critical in freeing up both hands. There are very affordable (under $25 typically)
LED camping headlights that can be used to get a great view of the mouth.
The next step is proper positioning. This is the most common error made by medical professionals looking for tongue-tie or lip-tie. The provider and the parent should face each other, knees touching. The baby is laid on the lap of this makeshift table, head towards the examiner. You cannot adequately evaluate a baby's mouth when they are sitting in a parent's lap in an upright position.
To read the above article follow this link to Dr. Ghaheri's website.
To read other articles written by Dr. Ghaheri please visit his website DrGhaheri.com
Tel: 717-259-9596
418 West King Street
East Berlin, PA 17316
USA
