Presentation Information

Oral Motor Assessment and Decision-Making for Infant Frenotomy: A Functional Approach

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• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
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Abstract:

Effective management of tethered oral tissues in infants requires moving beyond anatomy to a functional, breastfeeding-centered assessment. This presentation offers a structured oral motor evaluation framework for infants aged 0–12 months, integrating neuromotor maturity, intraoral sensory responsiveness, lingual mobility, suck–swallow–breathe coordination, latch mechanics, feeding endurance, airway safety, and maternal feedback.

Participants will learn how to apply a clear clinical decision-making tree to determine when conservative strategies—such as oral motor priming, sensory modulation, positional optimization, and maternal technique adjustments—are sufficient, and when a frenotomy is truly indicated to support breastfeeding outcomes. This session also describes key functional readiness markers that guide optimal timing of release and immediate post-release considerations to stabilize latch, improve tongue cupping, and protect the breastfeeding relationship.

Using case-based reasoning, the presentation illustrates how targeted oral motor therapy can improve function, reduce compensations, and in some cases eliminate the need for surgical intervention. For infants who do undergo release, early functional support strategies are outlined to maximize breastfeeding success and long-term oral development. This practical, evidence-informed framework empowers lactation professionals to counsel families ethically, reduce unnecessary procedures, and provide confident, balanced, and function-driven guidance.