Over the years I've watched as families struggle to figure out why breastfeeding hurts so bad, why their baby isn't gaining proper weight, and why no one can figure out why. Time and again, I've watched defeated new parents, already sleep deprived, try to figure out new feeding methods and solutions when they hadn't anticipated needing to do so.
Not long ago, the Baby Moon lactation team met with Dr. Ashley Tynan to go over her procedures, techniques, and aftercare for revisions in Lexington, KY. After attending a few conferences on the impact tongue and lip ties can have on not only breastfeeding relationships, but also food aversions, reflux, and more, I thought Baby Moon needed to take a step forward in bringing this topic to light. It's become common place for those who aren't breastfeeding specialists to doubt the validity of the procedure, but I can tell you from the countless families who have chosen this, it's not mythical. There is something to this that can literally change a breastfeeding and bottle feeding relationship in a matter of seconds. The following is an interview with Dr. Tynan about commonly asked questions, concerns and more. Enjoy!
What is your favorite part of your job?
Loving on all the babies of course! It is a blessing to help empower women to trust their instincts and be an advocate for their children's health. I guide families through the process and make meaningful connections with them, taking time to understand their goals and help them reach them.
How long have you been doing this?
I became passionate about tethered oral tissues over six years ago when my first daughter was born with them, and so many health care professionals dismissed and misdiagnosed our problems. However, I have been a general dentist performing oral hard and soft tissue surgeries, including frenectomies, for over 11 years.
What can a revision help with?
In infants, it can help with a shallow and/or painful latch, poor weight gain or failure to thrive, leaking milk when breast or bottle feeding, reflux and colic symptoms, trouble with solid foods, and eliminating mouth breathing. Releasing tethered oral tissues also allows for proper tongue position at rest which positively affects the formation of the child's dental arches and encourages proper facial development.
Is it just for babies?
No! It's truly never too late to realize the benefits of the procedure. There are a number of benefits for toddlers, older children, and adults including improved speech, better swallowing, reduced tension in upper back, shoulders, neck, head, & face, reduction/elimination of headaches, tooth clenching and grinding, improved posture, & better sleep just to name a few!
What other therapies do you feel compliment revision?
CST (Cranial Sacral Therapy), chiropractic care, IBCLC (Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant), Oral Myofunctional Therapy, Speech & OT/PT, tummytime!
What made you decide to leave a traditional dental practice to offer revisions?
I wanted to focus my energies and passion on tethered oral tissues due to the lack of resources for these issues in central KY. It's very rewarding to help enrich loving connections between parents and their babies, however they choose to feed them.
When should someone bring their baby to you for revision?
If nursing hurts, or if your baby has been dealing with colic or reflux, I can likely help. Some issues can be resolved without a procedure. I encourage all nursing mothers who are struggling to first seek professional assistance from an IBCLC who is well-versed in tongue and lip tie, like Bonnie Logsdon right here at Baby Moon! If they need a referral, I'm happy to provide one.
How do you do revisions?
I use a state of the art carbon dioxide laser to perform all of my soft tissue procedures. This method is preferred due for many reasons, including less pain, quicker more concise procedures, little or no bleeding, greatly reduced chance for infection, and quicker healing time. Babies procedures usually take under 30 seconds to perform and they are able to nurse or bottle feed immediately after the procedure.
How should they contact you if they'd like more information?
Call our office at (859)687-7009. I will do a free 15-minute phone consultation to help determine if our office is a good fit for your baby's unique needs. A thorough examination is the next step. In many cases, examination and treatment can be completed the same day!
Here at Baby Moon, it is our desire to connect you to those in our community who can make all the difference in your parenting journey. Dr. Tynan is one of those connections. We wish you all the best in your feeding and parenting journey.
Need assistance with breastfeeding? Contact us for our lactation consultant in Lexington KY.
Need assistance with pediatric Cranial Sacral therapy in Lexington, KY? Contact us for an appointment with Caitlin!
