Here's my review:
My son was crying and starving no matter how often or long he nursed. He was losing weight fast. I was new to breastfeeding but had gone to classes and hired a certified LC. I was desperate, I was a mess and I didn't know what to do to keep my baby fed and thriving. I did everything I was told, tried it all. But it wasn't until I hired a second certified LC who noticed the tongue and lip ties. I had NEVER considered that my boy simply could not physically nurse properly! I was both sad and also relieved because I realized I wasn't crazy. Smart Mouth came highly recommended and I scheduled the free consultation ASAP. I started digging in and educating myself as much as possible. Turns out this is a very common yet highly misunderstood and even commonly missed by most pediatricians, dentists and even ENT Drs! Read that again. Dr. Tera is the real deal! Check out her website and the plethora of specialized training, courses and extra education she has sought out herself to become a legitimate EXPERT in the area of ties, revision and body work to name a few! Plus, she's a dentist! The consult was enlightening, educational and reassuring. My baby and I were in the best possible hands. They make you feel cared about, important, empowered and the support they offer is simply amazing. Dr. Tera went into specifics about ties and did an oral exam. She discovered and diagnosed my son had a posterior tongue tie and mild upper lip tie that were restricting his ability to suck and nurse properly. Poor boy was trying so hard but was literally physically unable to feed properly. I was initially sad for him but then immediately relieved that help was finally here. She discussed the treatment and procedure plans. It's a multi-modal approach involving a team of sweet, caring professionals that make the process so smooth. From massages to latch coaching to the pre and post care and follow-up appts (ALL INCLUDED BY THE WAY), I never felt alone or unsure because they were all so thorough. It was a bit stressful for the weeks following, to do the stretches after the CO2 laser procedure, and to learn everything about the mechanics of proper sucking/feeding but it was worth every penny, every tear and every sleepless night. Besides, we will endure those things anyway with a new baby so why not INVEST in our babies overall and long-term health now! And yes, getting these restrictions released and resolved at a young age can benefit them in SO MANY ways that I had never considered or even knew about. Digestion issues, colic, pain, motor function, speech problems, eating issues, oral/facial structure and growth issues and dental issues to name a few. It's amazing what you will learn from the Smart Mouth team!!! It's the lack of education and knowledge of our most trusted medical professionals that sends us desperate mom's into a tailspin and forces us to give bottles/formula, feel like a failure, never recognize or address the REAL underlying issues and give up our dreams of breastfeeding (not to shame those who choose or end up feeding a bottle or formula, FED is best!). Excessive folic acid is said to be one of the contributing factors, as well as genetics. Bottom line, if you are having any problems with your baby, your child or even yourself, it could be related to a restriction! Can't hurt to go in for the free consult to see what their team can do for you or your loved one. My boy is now 4 months old and can latch and nurse like a champ, even after my supply tanked due to misinformation in the beginning, even after my Dr said to supplement with formula despite the affect on my milk supply, despite me wanting to give up my dream of nursing out of sheer defeat, and I'm more than happy that he will also benefit from the long term health benefits and that he will avoid the problems that could/would have popped up if we hadn't corrected his restrictions. DO IT. Worth it. read more