Program

Nurse-Midwifery M.S.

Year Approved

2016

First Advisor

Friesen, Pamela

Abstract

Background: Anklyoglossia or tongue-tie in infants often goes undiagnosed primarily due to the lack of knowledge for assessing tongue-tie thus disrupting a successful breastfeeding experience. Education, diagnosis, and treatment of ankyloglossia are vital in order to create a successful breastfeeding outcome. Purpose: To determine the effects of breastfeeding with early intervention for ankyloglossia (tongue-tie). Theoretical/Conceptual Framework: Benner’s concept of Novice to Expert allows nurses to develop skills over time through education and personal experiences. Weidenbach’s concept of The Helping Art of Clinical Nursing applies to direct patient care, teaching, and advice. Methods: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and SCOPUS databases were used to discover appropriate and useful information for this literature review. Sixty-three articles were retrieved and twenty-five of which were solely used for this particular review of literature. Results/Findings: Nurse-midwives, lactation consultants, and other providers should be trained to assess, diagnose, and treat tongue-tie in an infant who is experiencing breastfeeding difficulties to ensure a better breastfeeding experience with longer duration for the mother/infant dyad. Implications for Nurse-Midwifery Practice: Once a nurse-midwife has become trained and credentialed in performing frenotomies, he or she can improve and extend services offered to breastfeeding mothers and their babies, also enhancing the midwife’s professional practice. Conclusion: Having the knowledge and tools available to assess and treat tongue-tie is an important part of the nurse-midwifery scope of practice. Early intervention and treatment of ankyloglossia has been shown by research-based studies to improve breastfeeding outcomes.

Degree Name

M.S. Nurse-Midwifery

Document Type

Masterʼs thesis

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