Tongue & Lip Tie Assessment Online Course(s) & Continuing Education
Access the latest clinical skills and research for Tongue & Lip Tie Assessment for Tongue-tie, Lip Tie & Structure professional training. These Tongue & Lip Tie Assessment online courses provide practice-changing skills and valuable perspectives from leading global experts. This Tongue & Lip Tie Assessment education has been accredited for a variety of CEUs / CERPs and can be accessed on-demand, at your own pace.
A Case for Clipping, a Case for Waiting: Difficult Decisions in Clinic
Dr. Gina Weissman began her career as a dentist, receiving her training at The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem. She is also a RN nurse and has been working as an IBCLC, Certified Lactation Consultant, since 1999. She teaches courses in human lactation for both medical professionals and future lactation consultants, mentoring them in preparation for the international exam of the IBCLC. Dr. Weissman councils mothers and releases tongue ties at her private breastfeeding clinic, HalavM. She is an expert in teaching mothers Instinctive Breastfeeding and the author of Mother's Milk, a Video Guide to Breastfeeding (Hebrew/Arabic/English).Dr. Weissman is an international lecturer and the president of the Israeli Association of Certified Lactation Consultants.She lives in Israel with her husband Amir and four sons.
Topic: Understanding the Complexities of Tongue Tie: 2020 Updates - [View Abstract]
Institutions: Department of Nursing, Laniado Hospital, Netanya, Israel, Halav-EM Breastfeeding Clinic
Background: As far as anterior tongue tie is concerned, there is a growing, vast body of knowledge that has been validated. As for posterior tongue tie, the scientific evidence is lacking and the assessment tools are not uniform among practitioners.
Medical diagnoses are not part of the scope of practice of Lactation Consultants. Hence, there is a lot of confusion among professionals (both Drs and Lactation Consultants), resulting in over diagnosis and over treatment on the one hand, and also under treatment on the other.
Aims: To present a unique perspective of an experienced Lactation Consultant who is also a dentist, experienced in diagnosing and treating various types of tongue ties.
Narrative: The discussion will focus on the clinical dilemmas regarding releasing posterior tongue ties and their implications for breastfeeding in newborns as well as in older babies.
Clinical cases of babies with posterior tongue ties will be shown to demonstrate how exclusive breastfeeding can be achieved in clinical cases with posterior tongue ties that were not released. Cases of anterior and posterior tongue ties that had been released although breastfeeding was going well will also be shown. In these cases, additional factors were taken into account, such as the palate structure and the additional consequences that Ankyloglossia may have later in life.
Conclusions: In some cases of posterior tongue ties, good breastfeeding counseling can make the action of releasing the tongue redundant. However, then we are left to consider conservatively what other effects Ankyloglossia may have on our body.
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Ankyloglossia – Recognition of the many different forms & Impact on Breastfeeding and Lifelong Health
James G. Murphy, MD, is a private practice pediatrician specializing in Breastfeeding Medicine. He was formerly an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the F. Edward Hérbert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He served 25 years active duty as a physician with the US Navy, 12 years as a contract pediatrician with the US Navy and 6 years as a Government Service Medical Officer at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a Fellow of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, Vice President of the San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition, a member of ILCA and, since 2009, an IBCLC. Dr Murphy began performing lingual frenulotomies in Oct 2003 and has performed over 2800 of these procedures to date including posterior sub-mucosal fibrous bands and 300 Upper Lip Tie releases.
The concept of Tongue Tie has changed as expertise in the recognition and management of this entity has expanded. Also the consequences of not recognizing and effectively managing this entity and the “Faux Ties” which mimic it are many and expanding as data is collected to document the relationship. Breastfeeding is the most obvious and most severely affected function in infancy. Additional problems become apparent as the infant grows and develops into an ever more complicated organism. This presentation will discuss the many variations of tongue anatomy which present as a Tongue Tie, how to recognize each of these and the consequences of not managing this problem effectively in early infancy.
Catherine Watson Genna BS, IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in private practice in New York City. Certified in 1992, Catherine is particularly interested in helping moms and babies breastfeed when they have medical challenges and is an active clinical mentor. She speaks to healthcare professionals around the world on assisting breastfeeding babies with anatomical, genetic or neurological problems. Her presentations and her writing are enriched by her clinical photographs and videos. Catherine collaborates with Columbia University and Tel Aviv University Departments of Biomedical Engineering on research projects investigating the biomechanics of the lactating nipple and various aspects of sucking and swallowing in breastfeeding infants. She is the author of Selecting and Using Breastfeeding Tools: Improving Care and Outcomes (Praeclarus Press 2009) and Supporting Sucking Skills in Breastfeeding Infants (Jones and Bartlett Learning 2008, 2013, 2017) as well as professional journal articles and chapters in the Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice and Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. Catherine served as Associate Editor of the United States Lactation Consultant Association’s official journal Clinical Lactation for its first seven years.
Topic: Breastfeeding Strategies for Tongue-tied Infants - [View Abstract]
Topic: Critical Assessment of Apparent Tongue-Tie - [View Abstract]
Topic: Introduction to Cervical Auscultation - [View Abstract]
Topic: Lactation Support for Infant Biomedical Challenges - [View Abstract]
Topic: Organization of tongue movements before and after frenotomy for posterior tongue-tie: an Ultrasound analysis - [View Abstract]
Topic: Positioning and Latch for Breastfeeding - [View Abstract]
Topic: Positioning and Latch for Breastfeeding - [View Abstract]
Topic: Ultrasound Analysis of Sucking: Tongue-Tie and Confounders - [View Abstract]
Topic: Ultrasound Analysis of Sucking: Tongue-Tie and Confounders - [View Abstract]
Topic: Using Breastfeeding Supplementers - [View Abstract]
Topic: Using Breastfeeding Supplementers - [View Abstract]
Tongue tie is one potential cause of breastfeeding difficulties, but most authorities fear that frenotomy is overused. This presentation explores research on the role of the tongue during normal breastfeeding; briefly reviews validated assessment tools, and proposes other management, structural and medical issues that impact tongue mobility and feeding.
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Diagnosis and Management of Tongue Tie and Lip Tie in Breastfeeding
Bobby Ghaheri, MD is a board certified ear, nose and throat specialist with The Oregon Clinic in Portland, OR. His interest in treating children with tongue and lip-tie stems from his ardent support of breastfeeding and was furthered by his personal experiences, as his youngest child benefited from treatment for it. He enjoys working with children and has an interest in traditional and non-traditional approaches to pediatric pain control. To communicate with him, feel free to email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @DrGhaheri.
Topic: Diagnosis and Management of Tongue Tie and Lip Tie in Breastfeeding - [View Abstract]
While most breastfeeding problems can be managed effectively by a lactation consultant, situations arise where conservative interventions are ineffective in improving symptoms of a poor latch. Infant symptoms (aerophagia, poor weight gain, falling asleep prematurely, or frustration at the breast) or mother's symptoms (pain, engorgement, nipple damage) can often be explained by tongue-tie or lip-tie. I will explain effective diagnostic strategies and surgical interventions (scissors vs laser) in addressing these problems.
Foundations of TOTS Assessment: Anatomy, Appearance, and Function
Lisa Lahey RN, IBCLC, OMT has worked for 23 years in maternal child health as a nurse and lactation consultant in L/D, postpartum, newborn nursery, NICU, and perinatal education. Lisa is currently working on her master's degree for Family Nurse Practitioner. An IBCLC for 20 years, Lisa has a special interest and expertise in tethered oral tissues. Lisa’s private practice Advanced Breastfeeding Care provides home visits or office consults for complex feeding issues as well as joyful breastfeeding. Lisa also provides myofunctional therapy to babies, children, and adults in a functional orthodontic office. Lisa is a contributing author to the book Tongue Tied. Lisa enjoys teaching assessment fundamentals and oral exercises when she lectures at conferences and courses. Clinical photography and nature photos are also a favorite hobby. Most of all, she is a mom to five children (all were breastfed) who keep her busy and remind her daily of life’s joys and treasures traveling and hiking with her family to unplug from a busy pace in life.
Topic: Utilizing Myofunctional Methods and Lactation Therapy Pre & Post Frenectomy for Optimal Suck Rehabilitation - [View Abstract]
The IBCLC must develop and expand knowledge of the 3 foundations key to TOTs assessment which are anatomy, appearance, and function. This talk will review anatomy and physiology concepts, explore appearance of frenulums, and discuss current functional screening tools that can be utilized for assessment.
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Infant Airway and Tongue-Tie: Importance of Breathing for Feeding, Growth and Development
Upon becoming a mother and struggling through breastfeeding both of her babies, René first began supporting breastfeeding as a peer counselor, with a desire to help others as she was helped, and continues to support families in this way. She became an IBCLC and started her private practice, First Food For Baby, to provide professional lactation care a few years later. Recognizing the need to serve underinsured and marginalized families, she founded the Phoenix based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, American Breastfeeding Foundation, in 2020 that will one day reach and support families nationwide, facilitating specialized care for underserved populations.
René loves helping families through their unique breastfeeding journey, providing guidance to avoid complications and empowering them to exceed their goals. She welcomes the challenge this brings, from the complexities of airway issues to feeding position experimentation. She cherishes the loving interactions between babies and their parents. She considers it an honor to be trusted with each precious new life and to witness the intimacy and beauty that is breastfeeding. She bases her foundational knowledge on evidence-based data and research but realizes that the human experience she’s has learned over the past 25 years is equally important.
Topic: Infant Airway and Tongue-Tie: Importance of Breathing for Feeding, Growth and Development - [View Abstract]
This presentation is focused on infant airway as it relates to tongue-tie. Participants will learn to recognize subtle, unhealthy deviations from normal, healthy breathing, including general tongue presentation and breathing patterns (especially before and after tongue-tie release). This is important for many reasons but could be helpful in contributing to optimal frenectomy outcomes and avoiding regression. Additionally, the importance of identifying at risk infants to help avoid common misdiagnosis and labelling that is more often actually struggle with breathing and sleep will be discussed, all of which ultimately optimize breastfeeding outcomes and health for the lifespan.
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Dr. Martin Kaplan was born in Chelsea, MA. He completed his undergraduate degree at The University of Massachusetts and then attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. After earning his D.M.D. degree he completed a pediatric residency at Montefiore Hospital in New York.
Dr. Kaplan practices exclusively in Stoughton, MA. He continues to take update his laser education by regularly attending the Academy of Laser dentistry Annual meeting where is also contributes as a lecturer ans laser safety officer. He is one of only a handful of pediatric laser dentists who utilizes lasers for the treatment of infants with breastfeeding issues related to frenum attachment problems.
He is a member of the:
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• Massachusetts Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• American Dental Association
• Massachusetts Dental Society
• Academy of Sports Dentistry
• Academy of Laser Dentistry
• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
When not practicing dentistry he enjoys Karate and has attained the level of 4th degree black belt.
Topic: Infant Frenotomy for the Clinician - [View Abstract]
Topic: Lip and Tongue-tie: Fad or Lifelong Health Issue? - [View Abstract]
My talk will review the proper intake of information of the mother and child dyad to determine and objective evaluation. Intake forms will be available for the attendees. The information will be discussed as it relates to the intake form and the doctor physical observation and digital exam. The decision tree for the proper surgical approach will be reviewed along with a discussion of laser safety and laser tissue response Post-op follow-up and oral physiotherapy will be reviewed and related to the reasons for the type recommended. Cases of lip and tongue ties will be presented by video slides and also a video of actual cases will be shown. Multiple heading of various clinical presentations will be shown and cases of co-morbidity and medical conditions for consideration will be presented. Time will be allotted to answer questions and contact for additional information will be provided for after seminar questions.
Sarah is a Registered General Nurse, Health Visitor, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Tongue-tie Practitioner with a busy private practice based in Cambridgeshire, UK. Sarah worked as a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor for the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers for several years and continues to run a weekly breastfeeding support group as a volunteer. Sarah is a founder member and former Chair of The Association of Tongue-tie Practitioners in the UK and is the author of the book, ‘Why Tongue-tie Matters’. She offers an online course in tongue-tie and infant feeding in association with Babyem and provides education on infant feeding and tongue-tie for healthcare professionals and breastfeeding supporters in the public, private and volunteer sectors.
Topic: Is This a Tongue-Tie: How Do We Decide? - [View Abstract]
Topic: The Elephant In The Room - Bleeding Post Tongue-Tie Division - [View Abstract]
This presentation will discuss the difficulties that surround defining and assessing for tongue-tie. It will explore what we know about the role of the tongue in infant feeding by reviewing evidence from ultrasound studies and other research on latch and examining what this tells us about the normal functioning of the tongue. Various available assessment tools will be described along with how these may assist in differentiating between a normal and abnormal lingual frenulum. Also discussed will be other causes of tongue restriction and how to differentiate these from an abnormal lingual frenulum.
Dr. Martin Kaplan was born in Chelsea, MA. He completed his undergraduate degree at The University of Massachusetts and then attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. After earning his D.M.D. degree he completed a pediatric residency at Montefiore Hospital in New York.
Dr. Kaplan practices exclusively in Stoughton, MA. He continues to take update his laser education by regularly attending the Academy of Laser dentistry Annual meeting where is also contributes as a lecturer ans laser safety officer. He is one of only a handful of pediatric laser dentists who utilizes lasers for the treatment of infants with breastfeeding issues related to frenum attachment problems.
He is a member of the:
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• Massachusetts Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• American Dental Association
• Massachusetts Dental Society
• Academy of Sports Dentistry
• Academy of Laser Dentistry
• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
When not practicing dentistry he enjoys Karate and has attained the level of 4th degree black belt.
Topic: Infant Frenotomy for the Clinician - [View Abstract]
Topic: Lip and Tongue-tie: Fad or Lifelong Health Issue? - [View Abstract]
This presentation will provide an introduction to what lip and tongue-tie are, the basics of assessment for lip and tongue-tie, and the possible consequences of not providing treatment once a lip and/or tongue-tie have been identified. Assessment of lip and tongue-tie is complex, and must include information from health care provider physical observation and digital exam combined with an extensive intake history to provide the full picture and allow an objective evaluation. Intake forms will be available for the attendees, and cases of lip and tongue-ties will be presented through numerous clinical photos. Options for treatment will be discussed, along with the possible long term consequences of not providing treatment.
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Posterior Tongue Tie: Confusion, Concerns and Controversies in the Conceptualization, Definitions, Diagnosis and Treatment of Problems of Tongue Mobility Affecting Breastfeeding Babies
Dr. Smillie is an American pediatrician who founded in 1996 the first private medical practice in the USA devoted to the specialty of breastfeeding medicine. Board certified by both the American Board of Pediatrics in 1983 and by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners in 1995, she values her continuing education from colleagues, research, and breastfeeding babies and their mothers. She’s been a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine since 1996, and an ABM Fellow since 2002. She serves as an advisor to the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Breastfeeding and on La Leche League International’s Health Advisory Council. Dr. Smillie speaks nationally and internationally about the clinical management of a wide variety of breastfeeding issues, always stressing the role of the motherbaby as a single psychoneurobiological system, and emphasizing the innate instincts underlying both maternal and infant competence.
Topic: Posterior Tongue Tie: Confusion, Concerns and Controversies in the Conceptualization, Definitions, Diagnosis and Treatment of Problems of Tongue Mobility Affecting Breastfeeding Babies - [View Abstract]
Topic: The Vicious Cycles of Slow Weight Gain: Poor Appetite, Poor Feeding, and Poor Production - [View Abstract]
A growing literature and widespread clinical experience support the role of simple frenotomy in improving breastfeeding function for infants with restrictive anterior frenula. The diagnosis and management of restricted tongue mobility and function involving the posterior tongue, however, remains confusing and controversial. Since Betty Coryllos’ seminal work just over a decade ago, subsequent literature has been limited. Definitions, diagnosis, indications for intervention, management choices and anatomic factors predictive of positive outcomes elude us. Over- and under-diagnosis can both lead to adverse outcomes. This presentation will look at these concerns through the lens of known infant anatomy and oral function in breastfeeding, the available literature, as well as the shared clinical experience and observations of those in the field.
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