Tongue-Tie and the NICU: A Neonatologist Perspective
- Duration: 60 Mins
- Credits: 1 CERP, 1 L-CERP, 1 Dietetic CEU
- Learning Format: Webinar
- Handout: Yes
- Origin: GOLD Learning
Abstract:
Tongue Tie is an interesting clinical subject with extreme variability in understanding among lactation consultants, neonatologists, pediatricians, speech therapists, pediatric surgeons, and dental/oral surgeons. There is still no consensus on diagnosis and mode of treatment. However, in recent years there seems to increase reliance on cutting the tie despite the lack of robust evidence. As clinicians, we should always give an unbiased approach towards any neonate's feeding-related problem. Holistic systems like simple bodywork and prolonged skin-to-skin contact, and family involvement can often resolve infant feeding issues. Family-centered care (FCC), based on collaborative participation of the family and a team of health care providers, is found to increase infants' well-being in neonatal critical care units. Our own postgraduate student did her dissertation To Determine the Prevalence of Lingual Frenulum in Infants ≥ 1800 grams of Birth Weight Affecting Breastfeeding (Submitted for Publication). We shall be sharing the Indian data and providing more information about the prevalence of tongue-tie in the NICU, how to distinguish between tongue-tie and other common feeding issues in neonates and the importance of holistic care.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the epidemiology & Indian Perspective of tongue-tie.
2. Recognize when tongue-tie can potentially cause problems.
3. Describe diagnostic features & what to look for in tongue-tie in NICU infants, especially with hypernatremic dehydration or jaundice.
4. Identify possible treatment for the late preterm baby with suspected tongue-tie.
5. Describe nonsurgical treatment options and the importance of looking at the baby holistically rather than just the oral cavity.
6. Describe how to determine when surgery/frenotomy is necessary.
