Breastfeeding is wonderful for so many reasons. The suction of mom’s breast to baby’s provides nature’s first course of orthodontics and helps to shape the face and jaws. However, it does not always come easily. If you are desiring to breastfeed, Dr. Rascius can provide you with recommendations for internationally board certified lactation consultants who can guide you during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding should NOT be painful. If you are suffering through a painful latch, toe curling pain while nursing, clogged ducts, cracked nipples… seek help. We are here to be part of your village, moms!
If your baby is having trouble maintaining a deep latch, keeps coming off the breast, is clicking or chomping on your nipples, you may want to have him/her evaluated for any tight or “tethered” oral tissues (aka “tongue tie” “lip tie”).
The medical term for this is ankyloglossia. In order to latch successfully, baby needs to bring the tongue up to the roof of his/her mouth. Think of a tongue tie as a rubber band pulling the tongue down, inhibiting a successful latch. The same phenomenon applies to the upper lip. If there’s a band of tissue tethering the upper lip down, baby will not be able to fully flange out their upper lip, which can lead to pain for mom, inefficient milk transfer, swallowing air, fussiness at the breast, and other issues.
Dr. Rascius has taken continued education on breastfeeding, pediatric airway development, and the treatment of tongue tie through interdisciplinary care. She utilizes the LightScalpel CO2 laser to perform tongue and lip tie release for patients of all ages, from newborns to adults. She believes in collaborating with other providers such as lactation consultants, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and myofunctional therapists to achieve optimal outcomes- and lasting outcomes- for patients.
