Oral Ties, Not Milk Supply Was The Problem: Viy Cortez Struggled To Breastfeed Kidlat

One of the concerns of a first-time mom is her ability to breastfeed her baby. When she encounters problems along the way, the blame is on her, even though other factors can affect her milk supply. It causes unnecessary stress and anxiety for moms, and could lead to postpartum depression. 

The truth is: it takes a village to support a breastfeeding mother. And if she is able to breastfeed successfully, experts say it can have a positive effect on her mental health.

YouTube content creators Lincoln "Cong TV" Velasquez and her partner Viy Cortez have more than 16 million subscribers in their channels combined. Aside from that, they own and manage different businesses that range from a skincare line, milk tea franchise, and automotive shop. 

However, they found themselves frustrated and helpless when Viy struggled to breastfeed their firstborn Zeus Emmanuel or Kidlat. 

They even had to rush Kidlat back to the hospital a few hours after discharge because of dehydration. 

Oral ties and breastfeeding

On Viy's vlog entitled LASER SURGERY NI KIDLAT, she explained that doctors found that Kidlat had oral ties on his tongue, lip, and cheeks. They had it removed all at once to avoid encountering problems. Viy said, "Simula nung nanganak ako, ang sakit [mag-breastfeed]. Yun pala yung cause noon is yung tongue-tie. Pagkatapos ma-release yung tongue-tie, walang sakit."

The operation took only 10 minutes, and the doctors explained that it was not painful for the baby, nor will it cause bleeding.

After the surgery, they were taught by the doctors the post-operation exercises for Kidlat to keep the oral ties from growing back.

READ ALSO: Tongue-Tie at Lip-Tie: Kailangan Ba ng Agarang Operasyon?

Did it solve Cong and Viy's breastfeeding problem?

Experts say breastfeeding should never be painful for the mother and the baby. If a mom experiences pain during breastfeeding, it's essential to consult a doctor.

According to a 2016 study, the surgical release of tongue or lip tie, and more specifically, posterior tongue-tie, resulted in improvements in maternal and infant breastfeeding outcomes.

Bobby Ghaheri, MD, an otolaryngologist, told Healthline, "Tongue-tie prevents an open mouth seal, and if there’s no seal, then there’s no suction."

Tongue-ties interfere with latching, and this caused the pain that Viy feels whenever Kidlat feeds. Both the pain and the ineffective latch caused Viy's milk supply to decline. Now that the oral ties have been released, finally Kidlat can breastfeed properly.

Where to donate breastmilk

On Cong's channel, they also posted a vlog wherein they bartered boxes and boxes of baby essentials for a bag of breastmilk. It showed how they were so dedicated to providing breastmilk for their son.

Recently, in Cong's vlog entitled "DONO," the couple gave an update that they have received overflowing breastmilk donations for Kidlat. One of their neighbors dropped off a cooler filled with frozen breastmilk bags. A pregnant woman also donated her colostrum to Kidlat.

Grateful, Viy said, "Thank you sa mga mommy, ang daming nagpapadede [kay Kidlat]."

Cong said, "After ng last vlog, sobrang daming mga nanay na willing tumulong pagdating sa breastmilk, sobrang dami na pong nagdonate."

The new parents took the chance to call on able donors to give their breastmilk to other babies in urgent need. 

"Mas marami pa pong nangangailangan," Cong said.

Viy added, "Ang gusto lang namin kunin ni Cong yung sapat para kay Kidlat. Ayaw namin magtambak, kahit 6 months yan tatagal."

They said, a lot of premature babies are in urgent need of breastmilk, especially those whose mothers have died during childbirth.

Cong then shared a list of hospitals and facilities where mothers can donate their breastmilk. You can read it here.

Cong also shared that Viy's milk supply has improved. "Tsaka guys, lumalakas na rin ang milk production ni Viy so problem solved."

Indeed, it takes a village to support a breastfeeding mother, and to raise a happy and healthy child.

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