An infant has painful nursing and a prominent upper frenulum. What next?
Assess feeding function and other causes with the feeding team before considering release.
- Evaluate latch, weight gain, maternal pain, lip flexibility/seal, and lingual elevation.
- Appearance or insertion grade alone is not an indication.
- Consider nasal/airway obstruction, reflux, and craniofacial anomalies, especially before two weeks of age.
- Explain uncertain incremental and long-term benefit; lactation/medical support and alternatives come first.