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Being a mother can be exhausting. Each stage presents new challenges; however, while many women can’t get enough of the infancy phase, others struggle with severe postpartum depression (PPD). If you are one of these individuals, you’re not alone. Yet, there may be a reason you might not have considered that is making this time more difficult – your child’s lip- or tongue-tie. Keep reading to find out from an expert who explains how your little one’s inability to move their lip or tongue might be the reason you’re feeling the way you are.
How Do You Know If You Have Postpartum Depression?
You may not realize that you are suffering from postpartum depression right away. What might seem like “normal” feelings of being a new mother, tired, and overwhelmed can actually manifest into more serious and dangerous thoughts.
While some cases may be mild and last only a short time, others can exhibit more intense symptoms. These might include everything from severe depression and difficulty bonding with the baby to increased anxiety and shame because of the struggle of being unable to nurse effectively.
How Can a Child’s Lip- or Tongue-Tie Be Linked to Postpartum Depression?
When you consider that shame and guilt are two common symptoms of PPD, it’s no surprise that the inability to nurse or bottle feed your child heightens these emotions and feelings.
When your child is born with a lip- or tongue-tie, this means that the tissues located behind the lip or underneath the tongue are restricted. This prevents your little one from moving their tongue or lip fully, inhibiting their ability to latch correctly while nursing.
As a result, they may become fussy and colicky, develop acid reflux, and even struggle to gain weight.
Their upset state only furthers the symptoms of PPD, resulting in a vicious cycle that requires immediate attention.
What is the Recommended Treatment for a Lip- or Tongue-Tie?
The preferred method of treatment for a lip- or tongue-tie is a frenectomy. This procedure takes only five minutes and is completed using a soft tissue laser.
By releasing the banded tissue(s) with the laser’s concentrated beam of light, your little one will experience a greater range of motion while moving their lip and/or tongue. This will allow for easier feeding, which will not only keep them happier but also help boost your mood and decrease your PPD symptoms.
It’s natural to want to be the best for your baby, but if you think you might have postpartum depression, don’t hesitate to have your little one checked for a lip- or tongue-tie. In no time at all, the issue can be fixed, and you and your baby can begin to experience a healthier, happier journey together.
About the Author
Dr. Justin Welke is a board-certified pediatric dentist who completed his general dentistry training at the University of Illinois at Chicago. After a two-year pediatric dentistry advanced program at the UIC Hospital, he went on to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Offering laser frenectomies to families in need, he and his team make the process easy, painless, and less stressful than ever before. Contact us via our website or by calling (312) 248-2455 to learn how we can help.