Efficacy of Neonatal Release of Ankyloglossia

Efficacy of Neonatal Release of Ankyloglossia

The purpose of this study is to determine if frenotomy for ankyloglossia will improve infant breastfeeding, decrease maternal nipple pain and increase duration of breastfeeding with the hypothesis that frenotomy will do all of the above.

The primary objective of our study is to determine if frenotomy (or release of tongue tie) for ankyloglossia (tongue tie) will decrease maternal nipple pain with breast feeding and improve infant's ability to breast feed. Our secondary objective is to determine if frenotomy for ankyloglossia will improve the length of time a mother breast feeds. Our hypothesis is that frenotomy will decrease maternal nipple pain, improve infant's breast feeding and prolong the duration of breast feeding.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Significant ankyloglossia as judged by Hazelbaker scale (HATLFF)
• Report of maternal nipple pain with feeding
• Report of difficulty with infant breast feeding

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant craniofacial defects
• Age >14 days at enrollment
• Any maternal contraindication to breastfeeding
• Neurologic defects that would impair breast feeding