How does Virtual Tongue Tie Support Work?
If you have questions about whether online lactation care is helpful or how virtual support works for tongue-tie babies, you are not alone.
I've answered whether virtual support is a viable option for tongue ties babies previously (It is!), and I want to walk you through my process for online consultations.
One thing I think is essential for parents to know is:
Improving function is 100% necessary to see improvements with infant feeding & a tongue tie release does not improve function.
Instead, a tongue-tie release allows for the full range of motion.
The "fitness training" for the tongue & mouth you do before & after the release improves strength and tone & teaches your baby how to use their mouth to feed safely & comfortably.
Unfortunately, not many release providers or pediatricians inform parents of the importance of oral prehab or "suck training" in reaching optimal results.
At Mattos Lactation, I've developed my whole practice around providing guidance & support to parents of tongue-tied babies virtually as they work to achieve painless & stress-free infant feeding.
Here is a rundown of how simple for you I've made the process of finding answers & improving your baby's oral function
Step 1: You book an online appointment with me through a completely automated process, which reserves your spot on my calendar.
The scheduling process is simple and takes less than 2 minutes- find a date and time that works for you, fill out basic information like your name and email address & make the payment for the visit. Immediately after scheduling, you will receive a new client packet.
Step 2: Fill out the intake form, which includes a thorough questionnaire & provides you with clear instructions for taking the photos I will need.
The information provided at this stage helps me streamline our time together and allows me to conduct a more thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your baby's feeding challenges.
Step 3: It's consultation time! We will meet via a HIPAA compliant & secure video platform at your scheduled date & time.
This is my client's favorite part as it is often the first time they feel heard & validated during their infant feeding journey. During this 2 hour visit, we talk about the signs & symptoms you're experiencing, any findings from the intake, photos & observed feeding sessions, and strategize the best way forward to optimal results for your family based on your goals.
At the end of this visit, I will prepare a comprehensive report with everything you need to know in one simple location. This report will provide information on my findings, strategies to improve oral function, and any necessary referrals. It will also contain a goals timeline to outline any follow-up visits that may be necessary.
Step 4: Do the suggested activities, seek care from the recommended referral providers, and be amazed at how much improvement you see!
I know the process sounds simple, but that is because it is! That's not to say that resolving oral dysfunction or navigating tongue-tie isn't complicated or overwhelming, but I've developed a streamlined process that actually gets results!
What I look at when I assess for the cause of your feeding challenges:
Facial & Body Symmetry
Range of motion of your baby's body and of their tongue
The presence & organization of Feeding Reflexes
The Elasticity of their Frenlum when challenged
When and where stress cues present during feedings
Compensations your baby may be using
I also consider your feeding goals, your life & family circumstances, and available resources when determining a care plan.
You will NOT get a one-size-fits-all care plan.
What happens if I need more hands-on support to implement the plan?
I will outline all of my findings in the comprehensive report provided to you after our initial visit, which you can take to a local provider for streamlined care.
Most parents complete their entire goal timeline & care plan with me & only use the report to help advocate for a tongue tie release or referral to an SLP as needed.
But you always have the option of seeking hands-on support at any stage of the process, and I will provide you all the information you need to make that transition as seamless as possible.
What will be in your comprehensive report?
Your comprehensive report will include
Information detailing your baby's oral function and any deficits I note
Notes about any clinical observations you should be aware of
Step by step strategies tailored to your baby to improve oral function & make feeding safe, effective & painless
My professional recommendations for any follow-up care to consider
Lots of links to information & resources you might find helpful when navigating feeding a baby with oral dysfunction & resolving tongue time
What if the help I need is beyond the scope of an IBCLC?
The focus on an IBCLC is to identify functional deficits, provide strategies to improve function & help make feeding safe & comfortable for both parent & baby.
There are times where the situation would warrant the support of additional providers. This is especially true if you choose to have your baby's tongue-tie released or If you see signs that your baby would benefit from the evaluation of an SLP who can do a swallow study.
I often work with other professions with OTs, Bodyworkers, Gastroenterologists, & Osteopaths, forming a multidisciplinary team.
Because I specialize in working with the most complicated feeding cases that fall under the scope of the IBCLC, I coordinate with providers regularly. As a result, I have created a smooth process to get each provider the information they need.
Can you help with other lactation issues such as pumping and low supply?
Yes!
Many parents of tied babies I work with are also pumping parents or low supply parents.
Frequently, Tongue-tie disrupts every aspect of infant feeding, and parents must pump to maintain or increase their supply.
Whether your low supply is a result of oral dysfunction, a confounding factor to your breastfeeding challenges, or the primary cause of your stress, I can help!
I understand that there may be skepticism to the idea of virtual lactation care for a physical issue such as a short frenulum. Especially since there are so few good providers who are highly skilled in tongue-tie support, let alone conducted online.
If you still have questions about how virtual support can help you, please don't hesitate to reach out.
If you're ready to ditch the stress, you feel about infant feeding and spend more time enjoying your baby (yes, even during feeding!), then schedule a visit now.