
pmid: 24143939
Currently, many clinicians who help with breastfeeding problems are diagnosing "posterior" tongue-tie in infants and performing or referring for frenotomy. In this "Speaking Out" article, I argue that the diagnosis of "posterior" tongue-tie has successfully raised awareness of the importance of impaired tongue function in breastfeeding difficulty. However, the diagnosis of "posterior" tongue-tie also applies a reductionist, medicalized theoretical frame to the complex problem of impaired tongue function, risking unintended outcomes. Impaired tongue function arises out of multiple interacting and co-evolving factors, including the interplay between social behaviors concerning breastfeeding and mother-infant biology. Consideration of theoretical frames is vital if we are to build an evidence base through efficient use of the scarce resources available for clinical breastfeeding research and minimize unintended outcomes.
Adult, Male, 2919 Pediatrics, Decision Making, Pediatrics, 410, 2729 Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pregnancy, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maternity and Midwifery, Humans, Ankyloglossia, Lingual Frenum, Health Policy, Infant, Newborn, 2719 Health Policy, Mother-Child Relations, Breast Feeding, Sucking Behavior, 2913 Maternity and Midwifery, Female, Laser Therapy, Mouth Abnormalities
Adult, Male, 2919 Pediatrics, Decision Making, Pediatrics, 410, 2729 Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pregnancy, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maternity and Midwifery, Humans, Ankyloglossia, Lingual Frenum, Health Policy, Infant, Newborn, 2719 Health Policy, Mother-Child Relations, Breast Feeding, Sucking Behavior, 2913 Maternity and Midwifery, Female, Laser Therapy, Mouth Abnormalities
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| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
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