wound management

Exercises

In order for the diamond shaped wound to heal without reattachment it must be opened and stretched every 6 hours throughout the day and at least once during the night for both the lip and tongue. The healing process takes months and exercises will be modified to each child’s needs at follow up appointments.

Lip

Coming from behind the baby’s head, place both fingers under the lip and lift, covering the nose. The diamond shaped wound should be fully visible. Use your finger to complete a rolling-pin or sweeping notion from top to bottom and then side to side through the wound. This should be done every 6 hours including at least once at night time for at least 2 weeks.

Tongue

Coming from behind baby’s head, stabilize the lower jaw with your middle finger and lip with your thumb. Place your finger (nail side up) on the floor of the mouth near the bone. “Scoop” your finger through the wound front to back and then side to side. This should be done every 6 hours including at least once at night time for at least 2-4 weeks depending on healing.

It’s not infected!

The natural process of healing by secondary intention creates a white to yellow “scab” over the wound. This is protection, not an infection.