Changes in Breastfeeding and of Breasts before and after Babies’ Surgeries for Ankyloglossia with Deviation of the Epiglottis and Larynx (ADEL) <br/>—Healthy Breastfeedin

Abstract

Background: Historically frenotomy was performed at newborn babies’ baptism for healthy breast-feeding over many centuries. Although it was necessary for nursing babies, its application was denied subjectively without clinical observation since the early 20th century. As a result solutions for breastfeeding and breast problems are confused now. Methods: We studied changes in breastfeeding and mothers’ breasts before and one month after the surgeries for ADEL by standards for healthy breastfeeding and breasts. Results: With regard to suckling, before the surgeries 24% of babies opened their eyes during breastfeeding, while after surgeries 76% opened eyes while nursing. 30% of the babies latched onto the mother’s breast with a wide-open mouth. After surgeries, 84% properly latched on. 73% of the babies had calluses on the upper lip before surgeries, and no calluses were observed after surgeries. 27% of babies before surgeries moved the jaws during breast-feeding, but after surgeries 88% moved the jaws while nursing. White debris was on the dorsum tongue in 70% of babies prior to surgeries. After surgeries, 22% were with debris. 67% of mothers experienced nipple pain before their babies’ surgeries while 6% had pain after the surgeries. Flattened nipples were observed in 55% of mothers before the infants’ surgeries, 7% after surgeries. 23% of mothers had breast pain before the surgeries, and 4% had breast pain after the surgeries. Mastitis was also reduced from 9% to 1% after surgeries. 73% of women had palpable breast masses, and after the surgeries 25% had palpable masses. Summary: Remarkable improvements in breastfeeding and in women’s breasts were achieved after their infants underwent operations for ADEL. These results indicate the necessity of surgical interventions in babies with ADEL for healthy breastfeeding and breasts (279).