2.
Most Likely Cause....Tongue/Lip Tie
Congrats, friend! By completing this quiz, you are one step closer to getting a diagnosis for your kiddo. Tongue and lip ties, or clinically known as ankyloglossia for tongue, and tied maxillary frenum (or tethered oral issue, aka TOTS) for lip ties are becoming more of a household name due to huge advancements in education for providers. Tongue ties are a congenital condition that occurs when the lingual frenulum, a band of connective tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short or tight, limiting tongue movement. A lip tie occurs when your baby's frenulum is too thick or too stiff. This prevents the upper lip from moving freely.If your baby is still breast or bottle feeding, this can mean that they have difficulty latching, sucking, or swallowing, due to their inability to not getting a good seal and from restricted movement. They could also be getting too much air because of this, and it can cause gas and colic-like symptoms. It can also mean they are not sufficiently extracting milk, causing pain to the mother and also insufficient milk intake, which can contribute to slow growth and sometimes, more dangerous situations for your kiddo. For older children, visible signs can be related to gaps between the top front teeth, difficulty swallowing or loud breathing, gagging or choking on food, and even snoring at night. The longer a child goes without a diagnosis or mediation, the more symptoms and long-term effects can occur (like obstructive sleep apnea, high palette or narrow jaw, and expensive orthodontic care). "Remember, knowledge is safety when it comes to eating and feeding your child. "3 easy tips to get started if you suspect that your child's feeding issue is a tongue or lip tie. 1. Contact a certified IBCLC for a consultation if breastfeedingIBCLCs are healthcare professionals who specialize in the clinical management of lactation, and are considered the highest accredited healthcare professionals in the field. They help families with breastfeeding, milk production, and pump management issues. They will be able to help determine if the root cause you are experiencing is from a tongue or lip tie, or even if they believe it might be something else. This is always the best place to start. You can find one near you using their website, ibclc.org2. Research pediatric dentists who specialize in frenectomy proceduresThe technique, made more readily available for training and study by Drs. Bobby Ghaheri and Larry Kotlow, are now widely available in metropolitan areas and rural areas alike. Getting a consultation with a pediatric dentist will help you not only get a diagnosis, but develop your before and after care plan with other specialists to guarantee the highest success. Usually that looks like a pediatric chiropractor and/or pediatric feeding therapist. 3. Advocate, Advocate, AdvocateAs a parent, you will never not have to do this. 👏However, feeding issues, in particular, can mean needing to advocate smarter, and harder than normal. Don't stop! Remember, you are the expert in your child. You know what is normal, and what is not. Slow your scroll, and let me introduce myself...Hey there, I'm Amber Simpson 👋 Just a regular mom who has been through the ringer when it comes to feeding issues with all three of my children. I didn't know where to start, how to advocate, or who to turn to when I was in the thick of it. I wish that I had that "big sister", that village to help support me when I was navigating my darkest hours up late at night googling symptoms and crying in despair, not knowing what was wrong with my babies. I swore that if I ended up on the other side, I would pay it forward and create a community and support system for other moms just like me, so no one has to go it alone again. If this sounds even a little bit like your story, you are in the right place. Still not sure where to start with your kiddo and their feeding issues? 1. Check Out My Blog I post regularly on all things mama, advocacy, and feeding issues to support you and your family, so you can be on your way towards thriving. You can also sign up for my newsletter there so you don't miss out on my posts. 2. Download My Advocacy Scripts This was a huge hole for me when I was navigating this journey on my own and one I am so passionate about.🎉🙌🥳3. Take My Course If you can't wait another second to get started, check out my course. Over the six modules, you will feel like you have your roadmap towards thriving with your kiddo. P.S. Meet me in your inbox! I'm sharing more tips and a free download to help you on your journey.