Parents of infants and toddlers are usually advised to turn to their pediatric dentist to look into latch issues. Breastfeeding is important for many reasons. But, it may take some time and practice for you and your newborn to get the hang of it. Proper latch on is crucial to the success of breastfeeding.
Latching on refers to the way a baby takes the nipple and areola into the mouth to suckle. Latching on correctly is important. It ensures adequate milk supply, prevents sore nipples and stimulates milk production. A parent can ensure proper latch on by practicing and working with healthcare providers. Sometimes anomalies can also cause latch on issues. In such cases, seeking medical help is recommended.
A parent should know how a good breastfeeding latch should feel and look. This can be beneficial in getting feeding established. Getting the newborn’s latch checked by a healthcare provider trained in breastfeeding support is good to ensure proper latch on. It can also help to avoid problems later.
A parent can feel some discomfort when the baby first latches on and even after the first few sucks. Pain should not be felt once the baby begins to suckle steadily. Pain after the first minute is a sign of improper latching on. It can be corrected through practice and with the help of a pediatric dentist. The healthcare provider can also give advice on different positions and how to hold the baby.
For the tongue to function well, it has to reach almost all parts of the mouth. Babies with tongue-tie have a problem with the lingual frenulum. This refers to the small stretch of tissue that connects the bottom of the mouth to the underside of the tongue. It may be too short and tight or in other cases, it may be attached way up close to the tongue’s tip. This ties the tongue in place.
The existence of tongue-tie in a newborn may cause breastfeeding difficulties including ineffective latch, maternal nipple pain and inadequate milk transfer. A newborn with tongue-tie may have a hard time latching on. The newborn may end up compressing the nipple against the gum pad rather than the tongue. This causes nipple pain and an inadequate, inefficient seal. If a parent notices signs of tongue-tie, taking the newborn to the pediatric dentist is recommended.
There are two ways that pediatric dentists can take care of the problem. One effective way is by using the frenotomy technique. This procedure can be performed quickly in the clinic without local anesthesia. It involves the division or the cutting of the frenum. After the procedure, a newborn can breastfeed immediately.
Parents can ensure the success of breastfeeding by ensuring babies latch on properly. This will prevent many complications and make sure that the child gets enough milk. A pediatric dentist can help your baby by detecting problems and offering treatment or help with latch on issues. If you are having problems with breastfeeding your child, see your pediatric dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
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