Presentation Information

Therapeutic Considerations and Care Plans for Tethered Oral Tissues and Frenotomy During the NICU Stay

• Speaker: Jacklynn Adele Knotts , OTR/L, CNT, IBCLC
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME

Abstract:

In the NICU, oral feeding is a milestone which infants must achieve before discharging home. For many, the inability to complete full oral feeds can lead to prolonged NICU stays, G-tube placement, cessation of breastfeeding, or use of maladaptive feeding practices in an effort to get infants home. Although there are many different components that one must consider when working with medically fragile infants in the NICU, tethered oral tissues may not always be identified, treated, or surgically released via frenotomy due to limited knowledge, training, or hospital policy. Currently there is limited research for assessing and treating tethered oral tissues specific to the NICU population. This presentation will provide participants with a more thorough understanding of how to approach tethered oral tissues in the NICU, barriers to consider, and how to work collaboratively with NICU medical staff to assess, treat, adapt feeding, and prepare for a potential frenotomy.