Objectives The objective was to explore mothers’ experiences breastfeeding/chestfeeding an infant diagnosed with an issue with tethered oral tissue(s), for which surgical intervention was performed (i.e., tissue was “released”). Methods This was a cross sectional, observational survey conducted online from August to September 2020. Recruitment occurred via social media. Mothers of infants <12 months of age were eligible to participate if (1) the mother was >18 years of age, (2) they had breastfed/chestfed or were currently breastfeeding/chestfeeding their infant, and (3) the infant had >1 tethered oral tissue released. The survey included demographic and breastfeeding/chestfeeding questions as well as questions about tethered oral tissue concerns/resolution. Results Of 479 screens, 226 were eligible and 115 consented to participate. Ninety-three responses were considered valid and complete. The sample was homogeneous in terms of maternal race (95% white), marital status (94% married/cohabitating), and breastfeeding status (89% providing breastmilk at time of survey). Eighty-seven (94%) mothers reported lingual frenum release; 81 (87%) reported labial frenum release; and 16 (17%) reported buccal frenula release. Seventy-four (80%) mothers reported more than one tissue was released; most frequently, this included the lingual and labial frenula (n = 58; 62%). Most mothers felt “very confident” in their ability to identify which tissues were released: lingual (94%); labial (97%); and buccal (82%). Lactation consultants were the most frequently identified source of information about tethered oral tissues (62% of mothers) and treatment referrals (42%), while pediatric dentists were most likely to perform the intervention (66%). Nearly all participants (n = 82; 88%) reported feeding improvement, post-release. Conclusions Results indicate lactation consultants are frequently serving as both information and referral sources for release of tethered oral tissues, while pediatric dentists are most frequently performing the release. Despite limited evidence supporting release of tethered oral tissues for infant-feeding concerns, mothers in this study reported multiple tissues were released and that feeding was positively affected. Funding Sources Internal professional development funds.

Background: Despite limited clinical consensus regarding surgery for tethered oral tissues (“tongue-tie”) for resolving breastfeeding-related issues, the procedure has been increasing in the United States. Greater understanding of maternal experiences with obtaining surgical release may help to improve breastfeeding outcomes. Research Aim: To explore experiences of breastfeeding mothers with infants having undergone “tongue-tie” surgery. Method: This online, cross-sectional, observational survey occurred between August and September 2020. Eligibility included being ≥ 18 years of age and previously or currently breastfeeding an infant with ≥ 1 tissue surgically released. Of 463 screens, 318 mothers were eligible and 115 consented. The final sample was 90. Results: The sample was predominantly white ( n = 86; 95%), non-Hispanic ( n = 84; 93%), married/cohabitating ( n = 85; 94%), and currently providing their own milk ( n = 81; 89%). Difficult latch was the primary reason for seeking help. Participants reported lingual ( n = 84; 93%), labial ( n = 79; 88%), and buccal ( n = 16; 17%) tissue-release, with 80% ( n = 73) reporting > 1 released. For each tissue released, > 80% ( n = 72) of participants felt “very confident” in their ability to correctly identify it and 97% ( n = 87) felt “very involved” and “strongly agreed” with surgical release. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants® were the most frequently identified source of information ( n = 45; 50%) and referrals ( n = 38; 42%), while pediatric dentists most frequently performed interventions ( n = 60; 67%). Conclusions: Participants reported being confident, involved, and in agreement with surgical release and lactation support professionals were frequent information and referral sources.