Tongue tie is much more than anatomy, it's about function first.  Even more it's about the dyad- a mom and baby pair for the first year- and how this functional loss is affecting them.   The frenectomy, or release, itself isn't going to get good results without adequate pre and post frenectomy support.  Listen as Katie Oshita and Dr Thomas discuss Dr Thomas' path to becoming a frenecotmy provider, how he supports families with referralsfor other providers in the area and what's ahead for health:latch.   The clinic, health:latch, is an infant focused tongue tie clinic in Bellevue Washington started by Dr James Thomas. 

Podcast Guest: Originally from the Midwest, Dr. Thomas completed his dental studies and Master's in pediatric dentistry from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. After residency, he and his family moved to the Pacific Northwest where he started a practice in Downtown Bellevue in 2007. Nine years and 7500 patients later, Dr. Thomas was called in a different direction: to help babies thrive. 

In 2017, Dr. Thomas started health:latch, a specialty clinic focused on educating, diagnosing, and releasing infant oral tethers so that babies and their families can enjoy a healthy, full life. He is excited to make a return to pediatric dentistry where he can bring a holistic approach to a child's full development from ages 0 - 18. 

Dr. Thomas enjoys spending time in the great PNW outdoors, going on trips with his wife to visit their college kids, and most of all, spending time with his best four-legged friend, Sherman.

Podcast host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 22 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  Katie is a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email [email protected] or www.cuddlesandmilk.com