If a family has chosen to utilize the treatment of a dentist in order to perform a frenotomy or frenectomy procedure, it is helpful for a lactation consultant to accompany them in order to help evaluate the infant’s latch and breastfeeding ability immediately post-operatively. I prefer to have had an in-person consultation prior to the tether release so that I have a pre-op perspective and can more accurately assist, though this is not totally necessary.

This type of consult is applicable for families whose child is undergoing a frenectomy or frenotomy with a pediatrician or pediatric dentist in order to correct a tongue, lip and/or other type of oral tether. I will accompany you to the procedure (if the physician allows), observe your infant prior to the surgery and assist in latching baby as soon as possible after the procedure.

It is highly encouraged to anticipate a follow-up consultation in these situations. Families who participate in more than one consultation benefit from more optimal outcomes. This is due primarily to the fact that a period of time is often required in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the care plan and adjust based on your baby’s response to our approach.

*The price of this consult covers the extended length of time that will be spent in the dental office attending to the family and participating in the surgery as well as assisting the mother-baby dyad immediately post-op with latching. These office visits usually take around 3 hours.*