Prevalence of ankyloglossia in newborns and impact of frenotomy in a baby-friendly hospital

Abstract

Background: Ankyloglossia is a condition present in some newborns and can be associated with breastfeeding difficulties, leading to symptoms in the child and the mother. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of newborns with tongue-tie and the symptoms reported by their mothers, and the short and long-term outcomes of frenotomy. Methods: We conducted a prospective and observational 7-month study in a Baby-Friendly Hospital (BFH). We included all the breastfed newborns without comorbidities that underwent a frenotomy. Results: A total of 33 frenotomies were performed. The most common findings before the procedure were maternal breastfeeding pain (29/33), ineffective latch (18/33), and maternal nipple lesions (18/33). We observed that newborns surgically intervened later showed a high incidence of jaundice (p = 0.03), weight loss greater than 10% at hospital discharge (p = 0.004), and their mothers experienced pain more often (p = 0.004). At one month of age, there was an improvement in breastfeeding-related pain (p = 0.012) and its intensity (p = 0.016), the presence of maternal cracked nipples (p < 0.01), and latching on (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Ankyloglossia can prevent the correct establishment of breastfeeding. Frenotomy is associated with few complications, and when appropriately indicated, may have a positive impact on breastfeeding, reducing maternal pain, the presence of nipple lesions, and latching problems.