Improvement in problematic feeding symptoms for infants with lip-tie and tongue-tie after frenotomy

In this study, we compared symptoms of problematic feeding, as measured by the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool (NeoEAT), before and 2 weeks after frenotomy in 84 infants with tongue-tie and lip-tie. We found that NeoEAT scores were significantly lower (i.e., improved) after frenotomy.

Authors: Rebecca Hill, Karen Lyons, Susan Kelly-Weeder, & Britt Pados

Publication information: Journal of Neonatal Nursing, doi: 10.1016/j.jnn.2023.07.007

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Breastfeeding symptoms with tongue- and lip-tie

In this study of 121 mother-infant dyads, we found that more severe classifications of tongue- and lip-tie were associated with particular symptoms in mom and baby. All infant symptoms improved and feeding duration improved post-frenotomy.

Authors: Rebecca Hill, Melissa Richard & Britt Pados

Publication information: MCN, the American Journal of Maternal-Child Nursing, doi: 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000876

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Effect of frenotomy on maternal breastfeeding symptoms and the relationship between maternal symptoms and problematic infant feeding

In this study of 102 mother-infant dyads, we found that there was a decrease in maternal breastfeeding symptoms after frenotomy, including improvement in painful and difficult latch, creased/cracked nipples, bleeding or abraded nipples, chewing of the nipple, and feelings of depression. Symptoms of problematic infant feeding (as measured by the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool) were significantly lower 2 weeks after frenotomy.

Authors: Rebecca Hill, Karen Lyons, Susan Kelly-Weeder, & Britt Pados

Publication information: Global Pediatric Health. 2022. doi: 10.1177/2333794X211072835

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A pilot study of non-nutritive suck measures immediately pre- and post-frenotomy in full term infants with problematic feeding

In this study, we explored changes in non-nutritive sucking measures before and after frenotomy procedures in infants with tongue tie who were experiencing symptoms of problematic feeding.

Authors: Rebecca Hill, Morgan Hines, Alaina Martens, Britt Pados, & Emily Zimmerman

Publication information: Journal of Neonatal Nursing. In press. doi: 10.1016/j.jnn.2021.10.009

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Bottle-feeding challenges in preterm-born infants in the first 7 months of life

This study involved data from 625 infants less than 7 months old. In this study, we found that infants born very preterm (< 32 weeks gestation) had more symptoms of problematic feeding as measured by the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool – Bottle-feeding (NeoEAT – Bottle-feeding) than infants born at later gestational ages. Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, gastroesophageal reflux, and anomalies of the face and mouth were associated with problematic feeding, even when degree of prematurity was taken into account. Infants born prior to 32 weeks and infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, gastroesophageal reflux, and anomalies of the face and mouth should be considered at risk for problematic feeding and be monitored/screened closely. Early referral to feeding specialists should be considered to support these infants as their feeding continues to develop through infancy.

Authors: Rebecca Hill, Jinhee Park, & Britt Pados

Publication information: Global Pediatric Health. 2020; 7: 1-14. doi: 10.1177/2333794X20952688

This paper is available for free and open access on the publisher’s website, click here.