Teddy's tongue-tie journey part 2
I had spent the last few days making sure we got a train that took us directly to the closest station within walking distance of the hospital and luckily for us we got one which was direct, so we didn't have to change anywhere. While on the train I took Teddy out of his pram, as we took the car seat unit to make it easy to fold down if needed, and he loved looking out the window. About 20 minutes into the journey I fed him, as his last feed needed to be between 12:30 and 1. I did feed him just before 12:30, as we were getting off the train at 12:40, but I wanted to make sure he had a full belly. It was a good thing I chose to take the car seat as the lift at the station wasn't working so we had to fold it all down and carry it up the stairs. We got a little confused trying to find where we needed to go as we weren't actually allowed in until 1:30, so we had to find somewhere to eat beforehand. Luckily the main bit of the hospital has a Costa coffee so we got some lunch there and then went into the Marks and Spencer to grab a little something whilst waiting to be seen.
We arrived at the clinic just before 1:30 and I was handed a form that needed to be filled out. I was also handed a leaflet which contained information on what a tongue tie is, how it's diagnosed, what will happen at the clinic and how to care for it after. Once everyone had arrived we were given a talk about the different types of tongue ties as well as shown pictures of them, how to manage the wound for the first week and the scar after, and also given information about recurrent tongue ties. We were also told that if their assessment concluded that it wouldn't need dividing then it wouldn't be done, so if baby was able to move their tongue, they wouldn't preform the frenulotomy surgery as it wouldn't make any difference to breastfeeding. As well as pictures of the tongue ties, we were shown a picture of the instruments they use, and a model of what it looks like before, after, while it's healing and how to do the massage. I'm lucky as Teddy doesn't like to take a dummy and we were told he can't have one while it's healing.
After the talk was over, they started the assessments on each baby. This was done in age order and luckily there were only 5 babies in clinic that days. Teddy was the oldest so of course he was last, but he was exceptional! He didn't once cry or make a protest about being there and being hungry. He had fallen asleep 15 minutes before we were seen. We were taken to the room and he was put on a table. She did his assessment and it turns out his tongue tie was a lot worse than what we originally thought. His tongue was 90-100% tied, was a double tie and he had no movement at all. This brought a great relief over me- as horrible as that sounds, as I was worried Teddy wouldn't be having it done as I've seen him move his tongue a little, but she told me that he had literally no moment as the frenulum was so severely tied and was attached to his gum, causing the double tie. After his assessment was done, he was given some Calpol to help with the pain and had some Bonjela applied to the area to numb it slightly. I then signed the consent form to say I was happy for the surgery to be carried out and handed a form which needs to be sent back in 6 weeks time.
I was then taken to another room whilst the surgery was being carried out. This was horrible as I could hear him crying and wanted to just pick him up and cuddle him but couldn't. Within 3 minutes he had had the surgery and was brought back to me. Before feeding him, I spoke to him to calm him down and reassure him it was okay and how well he had done. He latched and straight away I noticed a difference! The pain had gone, Teddy latched so much better, although his head needs to be turned slightly so his cheek is against my boob, and was feeding properly! After he had fed from both sides, I was shown the 'after' of his tongue and couldn't believe how much it had changed! Before we could go they needed to make sure the bleeding had stopped, which it had, weigh him to see how much he had eaten- 95ml/3.3oz, and then I was given a feeding plan. His feeding plan is every 2-3 hours around the clock for the first week to make sure his tongue heals properly, as the pressure from his tongue and the movement will help it to heal. I was also told that I would need to see the lactation consultant who referred us to make sure everything was healing nicely and to ask any questions I may have. I need to see her twice within the next 2 weeks, once to make sure the wound is healing well and then again to make sure the scar looks good.We left the hospital just before 5:30, so to waste a bit of time we travelled to London Victoria and got a coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnut bites. This also was to ensure we could get a place on the train as there was no direct route home and we would have to change at a different station during rush hour. We arrived at Victoria at 5:55 and had 30 minutes to kill which is why we got a coffee. I have noticed that even with a pram, which I would happily push into people to make them move, no one moves out of the way for a pram! It was really busy and we were weaving in and out of people, before finding somewhere to sit down. I had to go to the toilet, which is now FREE, so left Teddy and mum and ran to the toilet. We then went and found the platform we needed to go too and the train was already there, so we jumped on and managed to get a seat with the pram. The journey home wasn't too bad and Teddy was very chatty, telling everyone about his day! He fed 3 times during the journey- just typical that a gorgeous guy happened to see me flash my boob as I was finishing feeding!
When we arrived home Teddy fed a lot, he was obviously hungry and in pain so wanted the comfort. He did really well and had a little nap. He woke up around 9, so I gave him some more Calpol to help with him pain and he settled back quickly. So far it's been very challenging waking every 3 hours to feed again. I know it's only for a week and will be worth it, but it is extremely hard. During the day isn't too bad as I'm able to plan around his feeds, but if he falls asleep before he's due a feed I have to wake him up and he doesn't settle too well after. It's also training him how to latch better now as he's able to take more. He likes to push away with his arms so I've decided he needs to be swaddled for feeds during the day to help train him that he can't push away! All the sleep training we have done too has gone out the window for this week! I've got Teddy back in bed with me as it's easier for feeds during the night, but after this week is up, he will be back in his own bed!In a week I will do a small review as to how it's been going. I will also mention any concerns I've had over the past week and any questions I've had.
S & T
Xx
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