Step 3 – Follow Up
Last, but certainly not least, the final step to a successful tongue tie release is follow up. Here at The Untied Latch, we value follow up as much as the initial consult. Without follow up, parents end up frustrated, confused, and alone, not understanding why their baby exhibits specific behaviors and become disheartened with the difficult road to recovery. Many parents lose their focus and stop performing the vital stretches required to help prevent reattachment. This is one of the reasons why we recommend at least 2 follow up visits after a tongue tie release.
Step 1 – Bodywork
You may notice a consistent theme throughout our framework. Tension and bodywork is vital to helping infants release tension and become more comfortable when feeding. A body that can move freely, can feed freely. We support our families in receiving bodywork for their babies after the tongue tie release. Our list of referrals are all vetted by our team and we maintain professional relationships with each provider.
Step 2 – Feeding
If there’s one constant after a tongue tie release, it is change! Our team understands that infants go through a myriad of changes after a tongue tie release and each baby responds differently. Our training allows us to support parents in the changes they see in breastfeeding and bottle feeding, pivoting their approach with specific strategies aimed to support infants to return to the breast after a tongue tie release. Follow up visits enable families to receive adequate feeding support throughout their tongue tie journey.
Step 3 – Aftercare
While we recognize that aftercare is variable among tongue tie release providers and controversial to say the least, we strongly believe in supporting infants with consistent, compassionate aftercare to reduce the risk of reattachment. With adequate follow up support (as provided in the Follow Up visits) with our team, we are able to support parents in doing the stretches, provide oral exercises to release tension and strengthen the oral cavity, and rhythmic movements that encourage movement in the infant. Movement is key to healing!
If you would like to ensure you receive the support you and your baby deserve, book a 90 minute Initial Consult today. Don’t get stuck with no idea on what to do next or wondering why your baby still won’t breastfeed. Progress takes time. And with adequate support from our team, you will feel confident as you walk through your journey.