Ankyloglossia Treatment in India

Rohan Garcia is a 3-week-old newborn,...

Rohan Garcia is a 3-week-old newborn, the first child of Maria and Carlos. He is a full-term baby who was eager to breastfeed immediately after birth but struggled to latch effectively. Maria experienced significant pain during feeds, describing it as a 'pinching' sensation, and Rohan would often slip off the breast, becoming frustrated and crying. He was not gaining weight as expected. At their pediatrician's appointment, Dr. Lee observed Rohan's tongue and noted a thick, tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) anchoring the tip of his tongue to the floor of his mouth, limiting its upward movement, a classic case of ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie. Dr. Lee recommended a frenotomy, a quick surgical release, to improve tongue mobility. The procedure was performed in the clinic. Rohan was swaddled, and after a numbing gel was applied, the pediatric surgeon used sterile scissors to snip the frenulum. It was over in seconds with just a drop of blood. Rohan cried briefly but settled quickly when returned to Maria. Within hours, his latch was noticeably deeper and less painful for Maria. Over the next week, breastfeeding became comfortable, Rohan fed more efficiently, and he began steadily gaining weight. Emotionally, Maria moved from exhaustion, guilt ('Is it my fault?'), and anxiety about her baby's nutrition to immense relief and joy. She felt empowered to continue her breastfeeding journey, and the bond during feeding became peaceful and rewarding.