Have you ever been told that breastfeeding is “supposed” to be painful? This and many other myths are actually just that: misconceptions. In most cases, very real problems are to blame, such as your infant having a lip- or tongue-tie. Learn the difference between the truth and misinformation so you and your baby can have a more positive mealtime experience!
#1. Pain or Bleeding
Sure, you might experience some mild discomfort the first day or two your infant starts breastfeeding. But think about it this way: they don’t even have fully grown teeth at this point. It shouldn’t be outright painful for your little one to nurse! If it is, it’s possible they’re having to work harder because a lip- or tongue-tie is restricting their oral movement.
#2. Lazy Feeding
There’s no such thing as a “lazy” baby. Babies need to eat. Period. For them, breastfeeding isn’t a chore, it’s a necessity, and one they can get very loud about! An infant that “falls asleep at the wheel” isn’t choosing to do so. It’s much more likely that a lip- or tongue-tie is causing them to have to spend more energy in order to get the same amount of nutrients as a baby without one.
#3. “Not Making Enough Milk”
This can be a legitimate problem for a number of reasons – the key point being that there is a reason. To not investigate the issue further would be a huge medical oversight on the part of the doctor or dentist. In the case of a lip- or tongue-tie, for example, what happens is that the breast isn’t being stimulated enough to produce more milk. Because the infant doesn’t have a full range of oral motion, they suck on the end of the nipple and cannot reach the breast.
#4. Size
This one’s a little ironic. Claims that a baby’s tongue or mouth is “too small” or that a parent’s breast is “too big” are not backed up by science (or common sense). Babies with and without a lip- or tongue-tie have small tongues compared to their parent’s breast. The true difference is that one is able to elevate their tongue to effectively latch and stimulate milk production. The other can’t do this because of the excess tissue holding their tongue down.
When breastfeeding is difficult, it’s almost never due to some sort of “inadequacy” or “sensitivity.” Both parent and child are experiencing a very real issue that, in most cases, can be addressed. If feeding your baby feels too challenging, then it’s completely reasonable to talk to your doctor or pediatric dentist about finding out why!
About the Author
Dr. Ramu Vuppala has over two decades of experience treating infants as a qualified pediatric dentist. Always wanting to improve the quality of care he provides, he’s gone on to receive advanced training in a number of specialized treatment methods and is certified in laser dentistry. If you believe your baby has a lip- or tongue-tie, Dr. Vuppala would be happy to provide quick, comfortable treatment. To contact his office for an appointment, call 432-520-5437.