Can tongue/lip tie and reflux be linked??? WWYD?

[JLeigh29]

DS, 4.5 weeks, has silent reflux and is on Losec. He had thrush at about 10 days, which we were both treated for. We're also having issues with feeding since he was about 2 weeks (when the reflux became noticeable): my nipples are now red, peeling, cracked, very sore and sensitive (so I'm guessing I have thrush). He pulls off many times during a feed and sometimes cries, sometimes 'clicks' and his latch isn't great. Then there's all the reflux issues - arching, wet burps, hiccups, phlegmmy coughing noises etc. I've been working on improving attachment, which helps with the pain, but not DS' issues (perhaps slightly less wind/discomfort).

I accidentally found a link on the ABA site to tongue tie, which I read as my niece had one. Some of the feeding issues are what I have with DS2 and it mentions thrush too. The article linked to another on a different site which mentioned that tongue and lip tie can cause reflux. Could that be what DS2 has? It seems like there's no tongue tie, but there is definitely 'something' on the top lip - the frenulum looks larger/more attached than DH's or mine, for example.

So, where to next? LC? GP? Paed? Paed dentist? All of the above? Who is most likely to listen, be able to tell if there's a tongue tie, help with BF support? How do I find a good one? Has anyone else had experience with lip tie and reflux they can share? Did treating the lip tie help with feeding issues or reflux if applicable?

[Jennifer13]

JLeigh, try the ABA first (1800 mum2mum). A good LC might be a good idea too, because with a combination of issues it's probably helpful for someone to actually watch you feed.

My sister's baby had a mild tongue tie and a lip tie and together they did enough damage for her thrush to never properly clear up. Getting on top of it now could save you ongoing issues.

[JLeigh29]

Thanks Jen. Yeah, I'm hoping to get some answers and advice sooner rather than later. I spoke to a lovely ABA counsellor on Friday and she was the one that said thrush (I naively thought that if I'd finished my treatment first time around, it was gone!). I didn't even think to ask her for LC recommendations... Yules linked me to a Pinky McKay article with a recommendation to the one I thought looked best. Will call tomorrow.

[onthefly]

I think that sometimes inefficient feeding - which may be caused by physiological problems like tongue tie, etc - can produce symptoms that appear very much like reflux.
Good luck with the LC, hopefully you can get it sorted very quickly.

[Arcadia]

Yes I think you've got a very good idea of what is going on: some attachment issues leading to nipple damage which means thrush is persistent and of course persistent thrush meaning nipples never heal properly!!! Then refluxy baby from thrush and/or attachment issues.

The royal women's hospital here in Melbourne has a great breastfeeding clinic. Is there somewhere like that near you? Otherwise I would get the name of an LC from ABA. You're onto this early and it should resolve quickly. If it is thrush, you might need oral medication. Look up 'thrush in lactation' info sheet on the royal women's hospital website. It was written by a dr who did her PhDin nipple thrush, and is the best most current advice there is!

[JLeigh29]

Thanks MadB and Arcadia. Good to know that others don't think I'm making tenuous links! I've read the RWH thrush info too - was actually the most useful in helping with how to treat. I'm hoping I can get it sorted quickly...found a highly recommended LC who is also a dietician, so can advise whether there might be any dietary links as well.

Now, I just need to hang on until Friday....