Does your baby have difficulty feeding from the breast or bottle? Or do you experience pain while breastfeeding? Then there may be a short frenulum. This can cause a lot of uncertainty. At Botman Tandartsen, we understand that. Questions such as “Am I doing it right?" or "Why isn't it working?These occur frequently. It is important to know that this is often not your fault. In many cases, a short frenulum is the cause of the problems. We would be happy to explain how you can recognize a short frenulum in your baby.
Guidance by specialists
During the consultation, you and your baby will be guided by a dentist and a lactation consultant. This collaboration ensures that we can assess the situation from both a medical and practical perspective. Together, we look at tongue function, feeding, and your experiences.
Lonneke Swüste
Lactation consultant
NVL membership number: 52110
drs. ADA Botman
Dentist with specialization
BIG registration number: 4991492680
Recognizing a short frenulum: symptoms in babies
A short frenulum can prevent your baby from moving their tongue properly. This makes feeding difficult and can cause discomfort for both the baby and the mother.
Do you suspect a short frenulum? Watch out for these signs:
- Difficulty latching on
- Regularly release while drinking
- Pain during breastfeeding
- Clicking sounds while drinking
- Lots of burping and cramps (due to swallowing a lot of air)
- Reflux complaints
- Restless or tired drinking
- Drinking for a long time without feeling full
- Poor growth
Are you in doubt? Then it is wise to have this assessed early. Feel free to contact us or schedule an appointment directly via the online calendar.
What is a tongue tie?
The frenulum is a small membrane under the tongue. When it is too tight, too short, or incorrectly attached, the tongue cannot move up or forward properly. For a baby, this movement is essential for feeding properly. If this is not possible, compensatory behaviors such as biting, clicking, or swallowing extra air occur.
What can you expect during the consultation?
- Assessment by two specialists
The dentist assesses tongue function and the mouth, while the lactation consultant looks at drinking behavior. - Observation of feeding
If possible, we observe during a feeding. This often provides immediate insight into where the problem lies. - Attention to your experience
We listen to your story and take your complaints seriously. - Medical and practical advice
You will receive clear explanations and immediately applicable tools for feeding. - Clear and honest advice
We will discuss whether treatment is necessary and what you can expect. - Treatment and guidance in one appointment
If necessary, the treatment can usually take place immediately. We will then guide you with feeding.
Our goal is for you to go home with confidence, feeling calmer during feeding and clear about the next steps.
Treatment of a short frenulum
Is there a short frenulum? We will calmly discuss the options with you. Releasing the frenulum is a short, safe, and quick procedure that takes only a few seconds. Afterward, we will immediately assist you with feeding. Many parents notice a difference quickly and experience more peace of mind.
We remain involved even after the treatment. We help you get started with feeding immediately and provide clear advice for home. Do you have any further questions or need additional guidance afterwards? We are here for you and will schedule a check-up if necessary.
Treating tongue tie in Venlo
Do you live in Venlo or the surrounding area and are you unsure if your baby has a short frenulum? At Botman Tandartsen, we are happy to help you with expert advice and personal guidance. Don't walk around with worries. Together, we will look at what your baby needs. Feel free to contact us or schedule an appointment directly via the online calendar.
