All About Smiles

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 My latest passion is more personal to me.  Almost 40 years ago I had nursing issues with one of my babies. With my first born there were no breastfeeding issues. However, I had a number of issues with my second born.   He was a caesarean delivery, he weighed almost 10 lbs, had a voracious appetite and never seemed satisfied.  I had severe pain, plugged ducts and mastitis a number of times. Sound familiar? I suffered in silence, because there was no one to guide me.

 Today is different in so many ways.   I can identify lip and tongue ties, treat them with a waterlase laser, and provide the support needed for successful outcomes. Frenectomies can facilitate nursing dyads that are struggling with these issues.

I don’t pretend to understand all the issues and dynamics that go with the very complex issues of breastfeeding, but I have been in your shoes.    I believe my personal experiences give me a unique ability to understand and empathize with every breastfeeding mom who comes to my office seeking answers.

 If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms a consultation for evaluation may be in order.  If left untreated lip and tongue ties may cascade into multiple issues that become more difficult to correct as the infant becomes older.

• Air coming through sides of the mouth while breastfeeding or bottle feeding
• Milk leaking out sides of the mouth while breastfeeding or bottle feeding
• A clicking sound while nursing
• Bobbing on and off nipple
• Sleeping while latched on
• Unsatisfied with feeding
• Gas or reflux
• Chewing on nipple
• Bleeding of the nipples
• Cracked, bruised or blistered nipples
• Pain when baby latches on
• Plugged ducts
• Poor weight gain
• Mastitis
• Poor milk supply