The impact of Paediatric Ankyloglossia on exclusive breastfeeding in Portugal: an online survey on mother’s experiences
Authors
J Morgado Dias
Pediatric Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Oporto University, Porto
J Abanto
Pediatric Dentistry Department, School of Dentistry, Paulista Association of Dental Surgeons, São Paulo, Brazil - Pediatric Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona
J Correia Pinto
Director of Pediatric Surgery Department, Braga Hospital, Portugal - Dean of Medical School, School of Medicine, University of Minho
H Soares
Neonatology Department, Sao Joao Hospital, Porto
C Areias
CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto
Breastfeeding, lingual frenulum, ankyloglossia, tonguetie, human milk
Abstract
AIM: This study examined maternity ward indicators associated with exclusive breastfeeding prevalence (EBFP) for six months, including diagnosis and treatment of ankyloglossia and indicators associated with the evaluation of the latter.
METHODS: An online survey assessed mothers' breastfeeding experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study enlisted 2,540 mothers in Portugal who had given birth at least once between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022. An online survey was circulated via social media during August 2023 with closed questions regarding mothers' breastfeeding experiences and questions on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of ankyloglossia. Poisson regressions were performed.
CONCLUSION: Positive measures in the maternity ward, such as breastfeeding support, skin-on-skin contact, along with early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, contribute to EBFP for up to six months and evaluation of the lingual frenulum. These findings underscore the importance of consistent breastfeeding support and highlight an increased emphasis on ankyloglossia assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
