The Daily The Booming Business of Cutting Babies’ Tongues
53 snips
Feb 19, 2024 
Katie Thomas, an investigative health care reporter at The New York Times, dives deep into the troubling trend of tongue-tie releases in the podcast. She reveals how dentists and lactation consultants are pushing unnecessary procedures on new mothers, often prioritizing profit over patient well-being. Thomas shares a family's emotional struggle with their newborn's breastfeeding difficulties and critiques the financial incentives driving surgeries in the healthcare system. This conversation uncovers the urgent need for accountability and informed decision-making in medical care.
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Lauren's Story Begins
- Lauren Lavelle, a mom in Boise, hired a lactation consultant named Melanie Henstrom after struggling with a prior miscarriage.
- She wanted to be prepared for breastfeeding her first child, June.
First Tongue-Tie Clipping
- June had trouble breastfeeding, and a pediatrician suggested clipping her tongue tie.
- The procedure was done quickly and painlessly, but it didn't improve June's latch.
Deeper Cut Recommended
- After the initial clipping failed, the consultant, Melanie, recommended a deeper cut by a dentist, claiming June's tongue tie was severe.
- She warned of dire consequences if left untreated, like scoliosis and migraines.