After a frenectomy, your infant may be fussy and inconsistent in her feedings. This is due to discomfort and is normal. In this article, Dr. Stas Pavlenko, of District Dental, reviews what you can expect post operative.
Time needed: 5 minutes
6 things to expect after an infant frenectomy.
- Increased irritability during the first week
Skin to skin contact comforts your baby. This increases oxytocin levels, lowering pain sensitivity. Make sure your baby gets all the comfort she needs.
- Trouble latching during first week
The initial soreness and re-learning of suck may cause feedings to be inconsistent at first. Often, these symptoms get worse before they get better. Work with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant for feeding related issues.
- Increased sleeping
You may notice your baby sleeping more often. This may be because of a variety of reasons including medication, exhaustion, your baby is feeling better, or your baby may simply use sleep as a coping mechanism for discomfort. Whatever the reason, it is normal for babies to have an increase in their sleeping patterns.
- Increased choking and spitting up
Babies sometimes will temporarily have a hard time adjusting to an increased milk flow. We recommend a follow -up with an IBCLC such as Megan Schafers.
- Increase in saliva production
Saliva increases in production as part of the healing process. As your infant adjusts to a new range of motion, she may temporarily have difficulty controlling saliva.
- Blood in the saliva
You may notice blood in your baby’s saliva after performing the recommended stretches and/or exercises. Healing sites sometimes stick together. This may produce blood in your baby’s saliva.
CONTINUED POST OP SUPPORT FOR AN INFANT FRENECTOMY
Because of your baby’s new oral mobility, she may require additional support to adjust. To help your baby adjust, consult with a trained OT/SLP/PT. They can help your baby build oral tone and suck/swallow coordination.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR
Although rare, call the office (780-429-1076) or text Dr. Stas to the number you were given if your baby is experiencing:
Fever greater than 38
Uncontrolled bleeding
Refusal to feed (bottle and/or breast) for over eight hours