Ministry amends guidelines

Wellington: The Ministry of Health has released new guidelines for assessing and treating babies born with tonguetie.

Associate Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall said the ministry met health professionals in April last year to develop the guidelines.

‘‘Several issues were identified including a lack of consistent information for consumers about the risks and benefits of surgical treatment for tonguetie; inconsistent and inequitable access to treatment when indicated,’’ she said.

About 5% to 10% of babies are born with a tonguetie, which means normal movement of the tongue is restricted by a very short or tight band of tissue.

While at least half can still breastfeed normally, others have difficulty.

Verrall said without national advice relating to tonguetie, there may also be an unnecessary focus on the condition, which may delay the management of other feedingrelated issues in babies. — RNZ