Q: What can I expect during a lactation consult?
A: There will be intake forms to fill out before our visit so I have some background on your family history, pregnancy, labor/delivery, and feeding experiences. I usually begin each consult by discussing the issues you're having and answer any questions you have up front. Then I will do an oral examination to look at your baby's tongue's range of motion, strength, and coordination. I also will observe your baby feeding, either by breast/chest feeding or bottle. Then we will create an individualized plan that addresses your family's needs.
Q: Do you do home visits?
A: Most of my appointments will occur at my office (near 121st and Metcalf) but I will do a home visit, if desired, for babies under 2 weeks of age. Special exceptions will be made for medically complex babies and families with disabilities.
Q: What is KC Well Nest?
A: KC Well Nest is a collective of holistic, like-minded providers working together to get to the root of our client's issues. We focus on collaborative, individualized care to support the entire family. The founding members of KC Well Nest are Liz Levy (RN, IBCLC), Carissa Stanton (MD, Pediatrician), and Cody Skinner (OTR/L).
Q: What is a tongue, lip, or buccal tie?
A: An oral tie (also called "tethered oral tissue" or TOT) is any restriction in a frenulum that causes a functional issue. A frenulum is a piece of tissue that connects two parts of the body or tissues. There are 7 total frenula in the mouth but the 4 that cause the most issues in a baby's mouth are the one that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the lingual, or tongue, frenulum), the one that connects the middle of the upper lip to the top gums (the maxillary, or lip, frenulum), and the two that connect the sides of the upper lip to the top gums (the buccal, or cheek, frenula). If any of these frenula are shorter or tighter than they should be or if they are attached in a way that restricts movement of the tongue or lip, they would be considered "tied."
Q: What can be done about oral ties? Will my baby just grow out of it?
A: No, babies do not "grow out" of ties, nor will they eventually fall and "cut the tie on their own" in a way that is actually helpful for function or structure (I hear this one a lot). If the frenulum restricts normal range of motion, it will not correct on its own. Most babies will need some combination of lactation management (if breast/chest feeding or pumping), oral exercises, bodywork, and/or a tie release procedure.
Q: If I already know my baby has a tie, should I go get it cut right away?
A: In most circumstances, no. The most important component to increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome is making sure the baby is ready for the procedure. If the procedure is done before the baby is ready, it may not heal well and/or it may make the issues worse. The first step is always getting an oral function exam to assess where the problems are so an individualized plan can be formulated and optimal timing can be determined.
Q: Are all lactation consultants trained in oral ties?
A: No. Basic lactation consultant training does not include much, if any, information about oral ties and oral function. Only an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is qualified to treat these complex issues and only those who have had extensive training in oral function, ties, and related issues on top of the basic lactation consultant training should be managing these cases. Please visit my About page to learn more about the training I have completed.
Q: How do I find other providers who are qualified to help with oral tie management?
A: There is a great list of preferred providers on the Kansas Tongue Tie Education Group Facebook page. It includes IBCLCs, chiropractors and other bodyworkers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, dentists/tie release providers, and more. It's also a fabulous place to find support from other families and professionals who have been or are going through this journey.
Q: My baby does not have oral ties but we're having issues with feeding. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely! I'm trained in basic breast/chest feeding skills, pumping issues, bottle feeding concerns, formula feeding, plugged ducts/mastitis, breast/nipple pain, low milk supply, oversupply, and many other issues. Between my many years in the lactation field and my past experience of being a NICU nurse, there isn't much I haven't seen!
Q: I'm not breastfeeding or pumping but my baby is struggling with taking bottles. Can you help with that?
A: Absolutely! I can do an oral function exam regardless of how the baby is being fed. I can also help with bottle feeding techniques and assist with bottle refusal.
Q: How can I make an appointment with you?
A: Please visit my contact page and fill out the form. I'll get back to you within 24 hours to schedule an appointment.
Q: I'm an aspiring IBCLC. Do you accept shadow students or mentees?
A: I do accept students for shadowing or mentorship. Please contact me to learn more about the fees I charge for these services.
A: There will be intake forms to fill out before our visit so I have some background on your family history, pregnancy, labor/delivery, and feeding experiences. I usually begin each consult by discussing the issues you're having and answer any questions you have up front. Then I will do an oral examination to look at your baby's tongue's range of motion, strength, and coordination. I also will observe your baby feeding, either by breast/chest feeding or bottle. Then we will create an individualized plan that addresses your family's needs.
Q: Do you do home visits?
A: Most of my appointments will occur at my office (near 121st and Metcalf) but I will do a home visit, if desired, for babies under 2 weeks of age. Special exceptions will be made for medically complex babies and families with disabilities.
Q: What is KC Well Nest?
A: KC Well Nest is a collective of holistic, like-minded providers working together to get to the root of our client's issues. We focus on collaborative, individualized care to support the entire family. The founding members of KC Well Nest are Liz Levy (RN, IBCLC), Carissa Stanton (MD, Pediatrician), and Cody Skinner (OTR/L).
Q: What is a tongue, lip, or buccal tie?
A: An oral tie (also called "tethered oral tissue" or TOT) is any restriction in a frenulum that causes a functional issue. A frenulum is a piece of tissue that connects two parts of the body or tissues. There are 7 total frenula in the mouth but the 4 that cause the most issues in a baby's mouth are the one that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the lingual, or tongue, frenulum), the one that connects the middle of the upper lip to the top gums (the maxillary, or lip, frenulum), and the two that connect the sides of the upper lip to the top gums (the buccal, or cheek, frenula). If any of these frenula are shorter or tighter than they should be or if they are attached in a way that restricts movement of the tongue or lip, they would be considered "tied."
Q: What can be done about oral ties? Will my baby just grow out of it?
A: No, babies do not "grow out" of ties, nor will they eventually fall and "cut the tie on their own" in a way that is actually helpful for function or structure (I hear this one a lot). If the frenulum restricts normal range of motion, it will not correct on its own. Most babies will need some combination of lactation management (if breast/chest feeding or pumping), oral exercises, bodywork, and/or a tie release procedure.
Q: If I already know my baby has a tie, should I go get it cut right away?
A: In most circumstances, no. The most important component to increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome is making sure the baby is ready for the procedure. If the procedure is done before the baby is ready, it may not heal well and/or it may make the issues worse. The first step is always getting an oral function exam to assess where the problems are so an individualized plan can be formulated and optimal timing can be determined.
Q: Are all lactation consultants trained in oral ties?
A: No. Basic lactation consultant training does not include much, if any, information about oral ties and oral function. Only an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is qualified to treat these complex issues and only those who have had extensive training in oral function, ties, and related issues on top of the basic lactation consultant training should be managing these cases. Please visit my About page to learn more about the training I have completed.
Q: How do I find other providers who are qualified to help with oral tie management?
A: There is a great list of preferred providers on the Kansas Tongue Tie Education Group Facebook page. It includes IBCLCs, chiropractors and other bodyworkers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, dentists/tie release providers, and more. It's also a fabulous place to find support from other families and professionals who have been or are going through this journey.
Q: My baby does not have oral ties but we're having issues with feeding. Can you still help us?
A: Absolutely! I'm trained in basic breast/chest feeding skills, pumping issues, bottle feeding concerns, formula feeding, plugged ducts/mastitis, breast/nipple pain, low milk supply, oversupply, and many other issues. Between my many years in the lactation field and my past experience of being a NICU nurse, there isn't much I haven't seen!
Q: I'm not breastfeeding or pumping but my baby is struggling with taking bottles. Can you help with that?
A: Absolutely! I can do an oral function exam regardless of how the baby is being fed. I can also help with bottle feeding techniques and assist with bottle refusal.
Q: How can I make an appointment with you?
A: Please visit my contact page and fill out the form. I'll get back to you within 24 hours to schedule an appointment.
Q: I'm an aspiring IBCLC. Do you accept shadow students or mentees?
A: I do accept students for shadowing or mentorship. Please contact me to learn more about the fees I charge for these services.
LACTATION LIZ, LLC
lizlevy@lizslactation.com
lizlevy@lizslactation.com