Services
Breastfeeding Medicine Consultation
At Breastfeeding Medicine of NJ, we treat the parent-child dyad. We recognize that both maternal and infant factors come into play in establishing and maintaining a successful breastfeeding experience. As a physician, Dr. Schecter is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of many breastfeeding issues. Some common difficulties include:
Maternal Factors:
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Breast and nipple pain
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Low milk supply (and oversupply)
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Clogged ducts
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Mastitis
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Thrush
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Engorgement
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Milk blisters/blebs
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Vasospasm
Infant Factors:
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TOTs: tongue tie and lip tie
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Latching difficulties
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Poor weight gain
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Reflux
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Torticollis
To schedule a breastfeeding medicine appointment (NOT for tongue, lip, or buccal ties), please use our online contact form or call the office. *The online scheduling link is ONLY for tongue tie consultation.
Tethered Oral Tissues: Tongue, Lip, & Buccal Ties
Ankyloglossia (tongue tie) is a condition where the frenulum that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is so tight that it restricts the movement of the tongue. Full mobility of the tongue is essential to achieving a proper latch and efficiently transferring milk. Tongue ties can vary in appearance from very obvious attachments near the tip of the tongue to less obvious attachments that may be hidden under a membrane. What is most important in diagnosing tongue tie is not the outward appearance of the tongue, but its mobility and function. Dr. Schecter specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of tongue, lip, and buccal ties. Signs and symptoms of possible ties include:
Mother:
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Painful breastfeeding
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Damaged nipples
Infant:
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Heart-shaped tongue
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Poor tongue elevation
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Inability to latch
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“Clicking” while feeding
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Reflux
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Gassiness
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Poor weight gain
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Poor milk transfer
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Never satisfied at the breast
Frenotomy: What to Expect
At Breastfeeding Medicine of New Jersey, we will gently guide you through the frenotomy process. Dr. Schecter treats every baby as one of her own and takes every measure to ensure the comfort of your child throughout the procedure and healing process.
Your visit will begin with a thorough history and examination of your child. We always recommend bringing your lactation consultation report to the visit if you have one. Dr. Schecter will explain her findings and treatment recommendations and help you to make an informed decision on how to proceed.
If a frenotomy is indicated, it will be offered during your initial visit. You should plan to stay for about an hour so that you have time to breastfeed immediately afterwards. Your baby will be swaddled, and a topical numbing gel will be applied to the frenulum. Once the superficial tissues are numb, a small amount of local anesthetic is used. This ensures a painless procedure for your child. Breastfeeding parents will be encouraged to breastfeed immediately afterward. You will be offered assistance with latching and a weighed feeding to assess milk transfer. Dr. Schecter will teach you how to properly perform the aftercare exercises, which are recommended for 6 weeks following the frenotomy. One week after the procedure, you will be asked to send Dr. Schecter a picture to ensure proper healing.
Scheduling Appointments
If you have been referred to the office for a consultation for TOTs (tongue, lip, or buccal ties), you may schedule your consultation online here.
For all other breastfeeding medicine consultations (NOT for tongue, lip, or buccal ties), please use our online contact form or call the office. Online scheduling is available for new TOTs patients only.
For general lactation consultations, we are currently referring out of the office because we have many excellent lactation consultants in the community who are available to work with you. You can find a list of IBCLCs on ZipMilk.