Impactos da frenotomia lingual na amamentação: percepção das mães

Abstract

Introduction: Ankyloglossia occurs when a portion of embryonic tissue, which should have been reabsorbed by apoptosis during intrauterine life, remains on the ventral side of the tongue and can restrict its movement. Objective: to assess the perception of mothers of babies who had undergone lingual frenotomy surgery within a six-month period at the Paraíba State Dental Specialties Center (COCA) in relation to breastfeeding. Methodology: This is a qualitative, cross-sectional study. Sampling was carried out by convenience, using the criterion of saturation. Data collection took place remotely, in which a semi-structured interview was carried out containing questions that allowed us to compare aspects of breastfeeding before and after surgery. Data evaluation was based on content analysis in the thematic modality proposed by Bardin. Results: a total of 20 babies underwent lingual frenotomy during the period evaluated. Twelve mothers took part in the interviews, with the presence of choking, sensitive, sore and/or injured nipples, reduced time between feedings, difficulty in latching on to one or both breasts correctly, the presence of crackles and the feeling that the newborn got tired easily when feeding being the most common signs reported by them in relation to breastfeeding in the period prior to the procedure. Overall, all the mothers said they had seen an improvement in breastfeeding after the intervention. Conclusion: Mothers observed that the lingual frenotomy procedure had a positive impact on breastfeeding, reducing discomfort for both mother and baby.