Most people, in relation to babies and newborns, are highly unfamiliar with the term “tongue tied,” even in Seattle, which boasts one of the most educated populaces in the United States. This is because the condition, which is formally known as ankyloglossia, only occurs in about 2% of newborn babies per years. However, these children still need assistance, so it is worth taking some time to further understand this condition and how to treat it.
What Does it Mean When a Baby is Tongue Tied?
If a newborn baby is tongue tied in Seattle, that means that its frenulum, which is the small portion of skin that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, is shorter than it is supposed to be. Because of this, breastfeeding can be painful for the Mother, and ineffective for the baby. This could easily lead to malnutrition or stunted growth if it is not taken care of in an expedited fashion by a medical professional.
What Kind of Treatment is Available for a Tongue Tied Baby in Seattle?
If your baby in Seattle has been diagnosed with this condition, they need to undergo a very brief surgical procedure called a frenotomy. This procedure involves little to no bleeding and is not very painful for your baby, as the nerves and blood vessels in this area have not fully developed yet.
Having this procedure done will bring relief to both the mother and the newborn baby, and in many cases, it is covered under your insurance. If you think your baby needs to have this procedure done, please consult with your doctor.
