Dian Tang, Whiteclover and Saralyn, meant to post about our visit to the paediatric surgeon earlier for the forum was under maintenance.
Just to share our experience with you:
Overall, the visit went well and we decided to go ahead with the treatment for our boy. The doctor explained that the ligament below the tongue if attached in the middle is considered 'Moderate' case and if attached at the end/tip of the tongue is considered 'Severe' case. If severe, it will affect speech, latching/feeding and also oral hygiene because we subconsciously use the tip of our tongue to clean our teeth everyday.
After he explained what it is, he examined my boy and said he is considered 'Moderate' case. Usually, for moderate case, the decision for treatment is up to the parents because it may correct itself as baby grows older or people with moderate case usually find ways to adapt so effect is minimal.
In our case, whether the treatment will improve feeding is hard to say because no one knows for certain if that was the cause in the first place. Finally, DH and I decided to go ahead with treatment so that it is one less thing to worry about ever again, especially since it is a simple procedure at our baby's age. Even if his feeding doesn't improve, we know this is not the cause.
The treatment lasts only 2 minutes. The snip took like 1 second and after that pressure is held on the spot for 2 minutes to stop any bleeding. I did not hang around for the procedure. In fact, the doctor asked me to leave the room and prepare baby's milk because he wants baby to feed immediately after procedure. He then asked my DH to help the nurse hold down baby. While outside, the receptionist told me not to wait in the waiting room either but to leave the clinic and walk to the elevator area.
Boy am I glad I didn't hang around. When I saw my DH later, his eyes were slightly red. He said he had to fight back his tears and remain strong while baby screamed and cried. Poor DH. On the other hand, our baby did very well and was feeding within 5 minutes. 15 minutes later, the doctor checked on baby again, gave the all clear and we went home. The doctor was very good and experienced. A nice grandfatherly figure with great bedside manners. He definitely made us feel better about the whole experience.
Whiteclover, since your baby is 6 months already and is putting on weight well, I'm sure baby is fine. Like doctor said, treatment is optional
Saralyn, lately my boy also doesn't finish his feed and drinking less. Don't know why. He would drink half and then drink the rest an hour later. Really throws us off his feeding time. I'm monitoring his intake. Sigh. My boy was already on bottle since week 1 so I'm afraid I have no advice on getting them used to bottle. I read somewhere that you can hold baby close like you are breastfeeding and give them the bottle. Maybe that will transition them easier. Hope that helps!