Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why does my baby need to have their clothes off for the exam?
Answer. They will be covered up for most of it, or snuggled with you... however, every part of the body is interconnected through fascia which plays a crucial role in the mouth-body connection. When assessing an infant for oral restrictions, we look for cranial strains and body habits and tensions, observe their breathing movements, skin colour and presentation. These can be connected to broader issues outside of our scope; however, they may be positively affected by tending to baby&pos;s swallow.
Infants with tethered oral tissues often exhibit signs such as flat spots or unnatural head shapes, inverted or extroverted feet, tight fists, slanted or asymmetrical eyes, poor circulation, and zigzag toes. The positioning of their hips, feet and shoulders may suggest information about their body joints. This is why we work so closely with manual therapy colleagues in their diagnosis and care of infants.
Q2. If my baby is hungry, should I feed them before their visit?
Answer. It is best that your baby is comfortable during their assessment, so if they are upset... then go ahead for a feed for contentment. We recommend feeding during BabyLase therapy, as it serves to help reset functional habits and improve latch, offers comfort and soothing, and allows sensory change or improvement to latch and function.
Q3. Will the release hurt?
Answer. Like all living beings, babies have neurological pain receptors. However, the surgical portion is very brief, lasting 5-10 seconds per site. We will revisit the sites to reassess release completeness after a time of functional movement and integration. A few cries are to be expected during the procedure.
Q4. Will you use any freezing or topical?
Answer. If an infant has a severe lip tie we may recommend placement of a small amount of specially compounded topical anaesthetic 2.5%tetracaine 2.5% lidocaine Research shows that if a baby is given breastmilk (or feeding substitute) immediately before and after a surgical release, swaddled, offered Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) and humming, that discomfort is minimized. It also allows the baby to sense changes in neuromuscular input, and to return to the breast or bottle immediately after without confusion.
Q5. What is healing like?
Answer. From an open surgical site to a closed wound site following infant frenectomy is typically about 2 weeks. Human tissue wants to contract in healing at 10-14 days, so that time is especially important. To optimize recovery and minimize the risk of reattachment, we encourage continued wound care management and stretches for up to 4-6 months after the procedure. We also practice a collaborative approach, working alongside lactation consultants, manual therapists, craniosacral therapists, and osteopaths. Oral restrictions are linked to fascia connections throughout the body, neuromuscular adaptations and compensations, so integrating care from various providers leads to the best outcomes for your baby. We have not experienced infection at release sites, or uncontrolled bleeding with any of our release care.
Q6. How long is the procedure?
Answer. The BabyLase therapy session lasts 10-15 minutes with you present, while a surgical release itself takes approximately 10-15 additional minutes. The actual laser surgical care takes 5-10 seconds of contact per site. After the procedure, we invite families to settle in our breastfeeding room, where parents are encouraged to feed, relax, and soothe their baby. Our clinical staff will demonstrate the post-surgical stretches, which will take about 2 minutes.
Q7. I have been told that there is no tongue tie because my baby can stick out their tongue and is gaining weight, is that true?
Answer. For a baby, sticking out their tongue or to gain weight does not provide sufficient evidence to conclude that an oral restriction is absent. A baby gaining weight does not necessarily mean they do not have a tongue tie; while poor weight gain can be a sign of tongue tie, some babies with tongue tie can still gain weight well depending on factors like the mother's milk supply and feeding techniques. Lift of the mid-portion of the tongueis the most important as restrictions limiting function in the mid-tongue are related to inability to create a vacuum to draw milk from the breast. Functional examination must include assessment of this aspect of functional tongue swallow.
Q8. Will you care for my infant if we don't want to have manual therapy support care?
Answer. We would provide inital assessment and Babylase care, however we would not do surgical intervention unless in emergency situations or very young infants to bridge until you are able to seek this care. To maximize recovery and well-being, we recommend working with a manual therapist (craniosacral therapist, osteopath, chiropractor, physiotherapist) in conjunction with tethered oral tissue releases. This collaboration helps to unravel tensions and release fascia, creating a more comprehensive approach to treatment and ensuring the infant's overall health and development are supported.
