Operating the frenulum in babies can make breastfeeding difficult
The lactation It is one of the most important processes in the development of the smallest. Any help that parents can assure to favor this feeding is welcome. Sometimes this happens by not doing something, by avoiding certain practices in order that the baby benefits from all the points that have to receive the breast.
Now a new study from the University of Western Australia at the XIII International Breastfeeding Symposium alerts of the difficulties for the lactation that has the operation of frenillo in the smallest. Since Medela, entity that has promoted this work, point out that this type of interventions have grown in recent times. Therefore, the focus has been on the relationship between both subjects.
Restriction of movements
The operation of frenillo operation of bridle Lingual laser separates the tongue from the bottom of the mouth favoring its mobility. Can there be a relationship between breastfeeding and this intervention? This team took into account different aspects that included from the production of milk of the mother; the pressure in the baby's mouth during breastfeeding; the breathing patterns and how the breast responds to the movements of the child's mouth and tongue.
All these parameters were analyzed both before and after the operation to see if after this there were some changes in the way in which the baby lived breastfeeding. Although in theory the children should have greater mobility in the language and therefore a better experience when receiving the breast, no significant changes were found.
The results also indicated that babies who had undergone these operations had more discomfort at the time of take the breast by the aftermath of the operation. Moving the tongue in this situation resulted in pain that sometimes led to bleeding. These symptoms caused the child to abandon breastfeeding in the long run, giving up the benefits of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding techniques
As mentioned, breastfeeding has multiple benefits for the little ones. Therefore, it is recommended to perform techniques to encourage breastfeeding in children. Here are some suggestions from the Spanish Association of Pediatrics:
- Hold on to the chest. The signs that will indicate a good grip are: the baby's chin touches the chest, the mouth is wide open and covers much of the areola, the lips are out (reversed) and the cheeks are round (not sunken) when sucking . If the baby latches on to the breast, breastfeeding does not hurt.
- If the baby is more than 6 months old and already eats other foods, he can be offered water, without forcing. Do not add sugar.
- Galactogogues are drugs that stimulate milk production. They are effective, but they should only be used under medical supervision, after checking that the frequency and technique of the takings is adequate and having ruled out maternal diseases that cause hypogalactia.
Damián Montero
