Research Review: Evaluating Current Evidence on Tongue-Tie in Breastfeeding Infants
- Duration: 60 Mins
- Credits: 1 CERP, 1 L-CERP, 1 Nurse Contact Hours, 1 CME
- Handout: Yes
Abstract:
Despite a growing amount of research and interest on neonatal ankyloglossia or ‘tongue tie’ in breastfeeding infant for the last decades, evidence regarding indications of diagnosis, and effectiveness of treatment or management remain unclear and controversial. The purpose of this presentation is to report the results of an integrative review on available evidence on tongue-tie issues and whether specific tongue-tie interventions improve breastfeeding outcomes. Database searches including PubMed, Cochrane, and CINAH will be conducted using keywords such as ‘ankyloglossia’, ‘tongue-tie’, ‘lingual frenum’, diagnosis and treatment/management of tongue-tie to locate evidence from 2014 to 2024. The presentation will summarize the current consensus and controversial on ‘tongue-tie’ among healthcare professionals. The overall effectiveness of frenotomy on improved breastfeeding outcomes will be discussed. The quality of collective evidence including strengths and weaknesses of research will be presented. The goal of this presentation is to provide the most up-to-date evidence to lactation professionals who assist breastfeeding mothers and infants regarding tongue tie management to apply the current information to everyday clinical practice. The implications of this evidence review will help improve lactation professionals’ understanding of the controversies surrounding ankyloglossia in breastfeeding infants that lead to a more collaborative and family-centered care.
Learning Objectives:
1. Explain 3 aspects of clinical assessment and diagnosis of tongue-tie in breastfeeding infants.
2. Analyze the current evidence of tongue-tie managements/interventions regarding its effectiveness on improving breastfeeding outcomes.
3. Describe the implications of the current evidence for clinical practice and future research.
