Dubai, UAE – Parenthood comes with many surprises- some good and some not-so-great ones. Even so, navigating these twists and turns is one of the best parts of this new phase of life. One of these experiences is your nursing journey.

As much as you are committed to breastfeeding, sometimes, it may not come naturally. Many mothers, both first-timers and seasoned moms find it difficult to nurse their little ones right away. In some babies, tongue tie could be the reason for this predicament with nursing.

Tongue tie is a condition where a newborn’s frenulum (the tissue attaching the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is shorter than normal. Babies born with the condition find it difficult to latch properly to the breast, which can lead to sore or cracked nipples, engorged breasts, ineffective feeding, and reduced milk supply for mothers.

“Tongue ties can vary from mild to severe cases. Babies with mild tongue ties can still latch and nurse without much issue,” says Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban, pediatric specialist, and medical director at MyPedia Clinic in Dubai. “In case of severe tongue tie, the tongue may be completely fused to the floor of the mouth and will require immediate correction.”

A tongue tie may not always be easy to spot. In such cases, pediatricians look for other symptoms including-
The newborn’s inability to lift their tongue or move from side to side
A telltale heart-shaped ending when the tongue sticks out
Difficulty with breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Slow weight gain
Long and frequent feeding sessions
Refusal to feed
Clicking noises when feeding

If a baby is diagnosed with the condition, a trained pediatrician will perform a simple tongue tie surgery called “frenectomy”. The procedure involves snipping the short tight piece of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Frenulotomy is done without any anesthetic and will be done in a few seconds. Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their babies right after the procedure as it will stop the bleeding and help heal the wound faster.

“Tongue tie itself is not a serious issue,” continues Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban, pediatric specialist, and medical director at MyPedia Clinic in Dubai. Even so, early diagnosis and surgery are the best course of action to help babies feed better. Children who grow up with an undiagnosed tongue tie may require the surgery at a later stage as the condition can hinder their speech development.”

For more information on tongue ties and to book a pediatric consultation with Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban, pediatric specialist, and medical director at MyPedia Clinic in Dubai, visit the myPediaclinic website today.

About My Pedia Clinic:
My Pedia Clinic is a multi-specialist pediatric clinic in Dubai offering a wide range of healthcare services for young patients. The specialties include pediatrics, orthodontists, pediatric dentistry, and nutrition. As one of the most trusted and kid-friendly clinics in the country, the doctors and staff at My Pedia Clinic are focused on delivering quality treatment and consultation for the long-term health and well-being of their patients.