The national organization that certifies lactation consultants is investigating whether a counselor in Boise, Idaho, improperly promoted an unproven procedure to new mothers struggling to breastfeed, according to a letter reviewed by The New York Times.
Lactation consultant Melanie Henstrom appeared in a Times investigation looking at the boom in “tongue-tying” procedures, which are becoming increasingly popular even though there is little evidence that the surgeries help babies breastfeed.
Ms. Henstrom is part of a thriving industry of lactation consultants and dentists who aggressively market the procedures, even for babies with no signs of tongue-tie and despite the small risk of serious complications.
The procedures often involve a dentist using a laser to cut the bundle of tissue that connects the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Many tongue-ties are harmless and there is little evidence that treating them improves nutrition. As procedures have sped up, some lactation consultants and dentists have also recommended using lasers of the mesh that connects the lips and cheeks to the gums. Cutting all of these “verbal ties” can cost parents hundreds of dollars.
Only three states license lactation consultants, and they face minimal oversight compared to other health care professionals such as nurses, doctors, and dentists. A professional organization, the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, issues credentials to 19,000 lactation consultants in the United States. The council’s guidance says that consultants should not diagnose tongue-ties or other mouth-ties in babies.
Since 2002, according to the board’s website, it has revoked the certifications of only three lactation consultants.
At least three people have complained to the board about Ms. Henstrom’s practices. They said he diagnosed babies with tongue, lip and cheek ties, even though he had no authority to do so, and pressured parents to have the procedures, arguing that untreated tongue-ties could lead to migraines or speech problems. A complainant said Ms Henstrom forced open her baby’s wounds after the procedure, causing pain.
Ms Henstrom did not respond to detailed questions about her practices. In a brief phone 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 council did not respond to questions about the investigation.
