Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience between mother and child, but it’s not always easy. Many new mothers face challenges, from a baby who seems constantly hungry to persistent discomfort that makes nursing difficult. These issues are often brushed off as normal, but they can sometimes indicate underlying problems, such as tongue ties. Read on as we debunk some common myths about breastfeeding and explain how a dentist might help resolve these challenges.
Myth #1: Breastfeeding Is Supposed to Hurt
While some initial tenderness is common as you and your baby get used to nursing, ongoing pain isn’t normal and shouldn’t be ignored. It can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as a tongue tie or lip tie, which makes it difficult for the baby to latch properly. It’s important to seek help to identify and address the root cause.
Myth #2: Dry, Cracked, or Bleeding Nipples Are Normal
A harmful myth is that dry, cracked, or bleeding nipples are just part of the breastfeeding experience. In reality, these symptoms are often signs that something isn’t right. If your baby is having difficulty latching, they may suck harder to compensate, leading to increased tension and damage to the nipples. Instead of enduring the pain, new mothers should recognize these signs as indicators of a problem that needs to be addressed.
Myth #3: You Just Need to Toughen Up and Give It Time
Many new mothers are advised to simply “toughen up” and push through the discomfort, with the expectation that things will improve over time. However, this advice can lead to prolonged suffering and frustration. If breastfeeding is painful or your baby seems unsatisfied after feeding, there may be a deeper issue that won’t resolve on its own. Seeking professional help sooner rather than later can prevent unnecessary pain and ensure that both you and your baby have a more positive nursing experience.
How a Doctor Can Help
If you suspect that your baby is struggling with breastfeeding due to a lip or tongue tie, a specialist can help. They can examine your baby for signs of these conditions. A tongue tie occurs when the frenulum, a thin membrane under the tongue, restricts its movement, making it difficult for the baby to latch properly. On the other hand, a maxillary lip tie involves a tight piece of tissue between the upper lip and gum, which can also interfere with feeding.
Fortunately, these issues can be fixed with a frenectomy, which is a simple procedure that uses a soft tissue laser to release the tongue or lip tie. It’s quick, minimally invasive, and causes little to no discomfort for the baby. In most cases, any post-op soreness lasts only a few hours and the benefits for both mother and child can be significant.
About the Practice
Healthy Sleep Tulsa is passionate about helping patients of all ages enjoy a better quality of life. We offer a range of services, including lip and/or tongue-tie treatment, to ensure you receive the care you need for improved oral health. If you’re experiencing issues with nursing and would like to have your baby examined, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (918) 417-1926.