My baby has had his/her upper lip and/or tongue tie cut, what next?

1. Post operative stretches
Whether cut by scissors, scalpel or laser, post operative stretches  need to be performed to ensure that the wound remains open once healed & to minimise the chance of your baby needing further surgery.

Each surgeon has their own preference as to how & when the stretches are performed - before or after feeds, with or without oil (such as coconut oil or vitamin E oil).  


2.  Post operative myofunctional work
The upper lip and/or tongue ties have been present since fetal life &  influence tongue muscle & jaw patterning.  

That is, tongue muscle & jaw function is driven by it's restriction.  

Often the tongue will spontaneously retract & the jaw & neck will tighten.  

Your baby's mouth needs to be retrained to work properly in order for feeding, swallowing and speech to develop normally.

A speech therapist whom specialises in infant feeding can help with this
and it is important that it commences as soon as possible after surgery

3. Infant feeding/Breastfeeding Review
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant whom specialises in lip & tongue tie surgery or Speech Therapist specialising in infant feeding will need to review you following surgery.

This is to ensure that you & your baby get onto the right track
with:

• Feeding your baby,
• Reviewing your baby's mouth function  
• Check what your milk supply is like
• Check what you & your baby's breast/bottlefeeding technique is like
• To ensure that your baby feeds safely

4. Pain Relief for baby
All babies are different- some need pain relief, some don't.
It is important to discuss your baby's pain relief needs with your GP or Paediatrician.

5. Bodywork
Engaging with a  paediatric qualified & certified bodyworker such as a Physiotherapist, Osteopath, Chiropractor or Myotherapist is imperative for babies who have tongue or lip ties.

Lip ties and tongue ties don't affect just the mouth - they affect the whole body.  The following symptoms are common for those affected:

• Tight jaw
• Tight neck
• Tight pelvis
• Flat spot on the head
• Baby favouring one side more than the other
• Digestive upsets like windiness/reflux
• Sleeping & settling difficulties

One cannot underestimate the importance of the bodyworker for your baby, speak to any parent with the experience and they will tell you that  it makes the world of a difference.