Lactation consultant group investigates tongue tie lawyer

The national body that certifies lactation consultants is investigating whether a consultant in Boise, Idaho, inappropriately forced an unproven procedure on new mothers struggling with breastfeeding, according to a letter reviewed by The New York Times.

The lactation consultant, Melanie Henstrom, was featured in an investigation by The Times that examined the explosion in the number of “tongue-tie” procedures, which have become increasingly popular even though there is little evidence that the surgeries help babies to breastfeed to give.

Ms. Henstrom is part of a booming industry of lactation consultants and dentists who are aggressively marketing the procedures, even for babies who show no signs of tongue-tie and despite a small risk of serious complications.

The procedures often involve a dentist who uses a laser to cut the bundle of tissues that attach the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Many tongue ties are harmless, and there is little evidence that their treatment improves the condition to feed. As procedures have accelerated, some lactation consultants and dentists have also recommended lasering the tissue that connects the lips and cheeks to the gums. Severing all these “verbal ties” can cost parents hundreds of dollars.

Only three states license lactation consultants, and they have little oversight compared to other medical professionals such as nurses, doctors and dentists. A professional organization, the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, provides credentials to 19,000 lactation consultants in the United States. The board's guidelines say consultants should not diagnose tongue ties or other oral ties in babies.

Since 2002 according to the board's websiteit revoked the certifications of only three lactation consultants.

At least three people have complained to the board about Ms. Henstrom's practices. They said she diagnosed babies with tongue, lip and cheek ties despite not having the authority to do so, and pressured parents to carry out the procedures, claiming untreated tongue ties could lead to migraines or speech problems to lead. One complainant said Ms. Henstrom pushed her baby's wounds open after the procedure, causing pain.

Ms. Henstrom did not respond to detailed questions about her practices. In a brief telephone interview last fall, she said she had many satisfied clients who believed the procedures had helped their babies.

Since The New York Times published its article in December, the board has sent letters to three people who filed complaints, informing them that their complaint was “valid and actionable,” and that the board had opened an investigation into Ms. Henstrom .

The board did not respond to questions about the investigation.