Tongue Tie Therapy
Tethered oral tissues (TOTs) are not simply observed, meaning you can’t just see them and determine there is a problem. You have to watch the mouth and tongue in action, i.e., at the breast or bottle, to assess fully. Lactation consultants talk a lot about ‘function,’ which is how a baby’s mouth works. If a baby’s function is poor, they likely are not feeding well. If the baby’s function is good, they are likely doing just fine with feeding. However, even if the tongue tie is visible, it’s the impact on feeding that dictates whether intervention is needed. Babies with TOTs may exhibit difficulty in latching, prolonged feeding times, or insufficient milk transfer, leading to concerns about weight gain and maternal discomfort during breastfeeding. Therefore, a thorough assessment by a skilled lactation consultant or specialist is essential to determine if therapy or intervention, such as frenectomy, may improve feeding outcomes and overall infant health.
Symptoms of Tongue Tie
Poor seal at breast, resulting in a ‘click’ or ‘slurp’ sound:
A baby with tongue tie may struggle to maintain a proper seal at the breast, leading to a noticeable ‘click’ or ‘slurp’ sound during feeding. This can indicate that the baby is losing suction and may not be effectively transferring milk.
Excessive gas, crying:
Due to improper latch and poor milk transfer, babies with tongue tie may swallow more air during feeds, leading to excessive gas. This can result in discomfort and prolonged periods of crying after feeding.
Lip blisters:
Babies with tongue tie often compensate for a weak latch by using their lips more intensely, which can lead to the development of blisters on their lips. These blisters are a sign that the baby is working harder than usual to feed.
Bowl-shape or flat tongue when crying:
When a baby with tongue tie cries, you may notice their tongue appears bowl-shaped or flat, which can indicate restricted movement. This limitation in mobility can interfere with effective feeding and oral development.
Leaking milk from sides of mouth:
Inadequate suction due to tongue tie can cause milk to leak from the sides of a baby’s mouth while breastfeeding. This is a sign that the baby is unable to create a strong seal at the breast.
Choking/sputtering at breast:
Babies with tongue tie may choke or sputter during feeds as they struggle to manage the flow of milk. This can happen because they cannot coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing effectively.
Overactive letdown:
Mothers with babies who have tongue tie may experience overactive letdown as the baby struggles to control the milk flow. This can result in the baby coughing or pulling away from the breast during feeds.
Pain with breastfeeds:
Tongue tie can lead to maternal discomfort, causing pain during breastfeeding due to an improper latch. This can result in sore nipples, cracks, and even mastitis over time if not addressed.
“Colic”:
Babies with tongue tie may be misdiagnosed with colic due to their excessive crying and fussiness after feeds. The discomfort they experience is often linked to poor feeding mechanics, gas, and digestive issues.
How Kentucky Breastfeeding Center Can Help
Seeing a lactation consultant who specializes in TOTs first (before making an appointment with a release provider) will give you a better understanding of your baby’s function and why they are behaving the way they are. A trained IBCLC will also give you oral function exercises. This will improve your baby’s function, as well as get them prepared for releases. They will also make referrals to preferred bodyworkers (such as a pediatric chiropractor, physical therapist, or occupational therapist) for help with the baby’s tension so that their outcomes are greatly improved. Once your lactation consultant feels the baby is ready, they will refer you to a preferred provider who then evaluates and treats the TOTs.
Releasing Tongue Ties
Typically, tongue ties can be released by a pediatric dentist or otolaryngologist (ENT) who specializes in the procedure. The particular tool used varies, but most typically that tool is a CO2 laser or scissors. After the ties are released, you will follow up with your lactation consultant, your baby’s bodyworker, and potentially the release provider in the weeks following. This is to ensure appropriate wound healing and management as well as getting the baby back to breastfeeding well.
Success Stories and Testimonials
“We wouldn’t be where we are without her help and encouragement! If I could give new moms just one piece of advice, it would be to schedule with an IBCLC right away. Breastfeeding does not come naturally, and having the support and knowledge of someone who specializes in feeding will save you so much stress. Very thankful to Ashlee, Tucker, and Amber for all their help.”
“Ashlee is a lifesaver! I met with her while I was pregnant and we made a plan that eased my anxiety. Then after baby was born she helped so much when unexpected issues arose. She responded to all my crazy texts and at each appointment was caring and understanding. The best part is that when coming up with plans, she asks what will work for you and your life. I appreciate her so much.”
“We are so grateful for Ashlee’s help and support through our breastfeeding journey so far! Tongue and lip tie releases, baby gas, and latch issues are no joke, but having a great team on your side makes a world of difference. We couldn’t have made it without her!”
“We made it 6 months!! Next goal is a year <3”
“All my friends who are pregnant/just had a baby. If you need support, Ashlee is THE ABSOLUTE BEST. I don’t know what we would have done without her. After having my second baby I thought we would have no problems because I had done this before, but it just proves that every baby is different.”
“Ashlee was very knowledgeable. We dealt with latch issues and tried different positions. She has so many wonderful recommendations for us and spent quality one on one time working to resolve our issues. She was always checking in on us to make sure we were doing okay and was supportive with her help. Without her help, I’m not sure our journey would have continued, but now 10 months have passed and we are still going strong. I highly recommend Ashlee and her team.”
“New moms: do yourself a favor and find yourself a lactation consultant to help you troubleshoot all things nursing and milk supply. They can be so helpful. Even better, find one you enjoy around and that will make your home visits when needed or preferred.”
“I learned from my first child not to wait – see a lactation consultant. With my second child, Ashlee was recommended. I love working with her. I felt comfortable around her and enjoyed talking to her. I saw her both in office and in my home. She helped me with a few different issues, including finding a bottle that my baby would take when I returned to work from maternity leave. The process of scheduling and communicating was also easy which I appreciated. I highly recommend her!”
“Ashlee saved my breastfeeding journey! Just when I didn’t think it was “for me” she encouraged me and showed me all of the necessary tips and tricks. Forever thankful for her and Tucker.”
“She continued to be a great support and resource after I decided to exclusively pump, which isn’t the case with all lactation consultants. I am so grateful that I found Ashlee!”
Non-Surgical Tongue Tie Exercises For Babies
Suck Training:
Gently stroke your baby’s lower lip to ask them to come in, using the pad side up of your finger let them gently suck on your finger- ideally placing it where the soft and hard palate connect.
Jaw Massage:
Focus on light strokes on the face focusing on the jaw, cheeks, areas around the mouth, and in between the eyebrows to reduce facial tension.
Tongue Pushes:
Use your index finger to gently push each side of your baby’s tongue toward the midline until they push back. This improves baby’s ability to cup their tongue around the nipple, creating a better seal.
Palate Rainbows:
Gently stroke your baby’s lower lip and allow you to insert your finger into their mouth. Trace baby’s upper gums in a rainbow pattern, slowly tracing farther back to desensitize an exaggerated gag reflex.
Non-Surgical Tongue Tie Exercises For Babies
Suck Training:
Gently stroke your baby’s lower lip to ask them to come in, using the pad side up of your finger let them gently suck on your finger- ideally placing it where the soft and hard palate connect.
Jaw Massage:
Focus on light strokes on the face focusing on the jaw, cheeks, areas around the mouth, and in between the eyebrows to reduce facial tension.
Tongue Pushes:
Use your index finger to gently push each side of your baby’s tongue toward the midline until they push back. This improves baby’s ability to cup their tongue around the nipple, creating a better seal.
Palate Rainbows:
Gently stroke your baby’s lower lip and allow you to insert your finger into their mouth. Trace baby’s upper gums in a rainbow pattern, slowly tracing farther back to desensitize an exaggerated gag reflex.
Professional Support for Tongue Tie Therapy
Seeking professional support for tongue tie can make a significant difference in a baby’s feeding journey. Our experienced lactation consultants are here to assess your baby’s feeding function, identify potential issues related to tongue tie, and offer personalized solutions to improve feeding success. We provide one-on-one consultations to give parents tailored guidance in addressing latch problems, feeding mechanics, and any discomfort related to breastfeeding. For added convenience, we also offer virtual support, allowing you to receive expert help from the comfort of your home. In addition to our specialized tongue tie services, we offer bottle feeding classes and workshops that provide practical tips and techniques for both breast and bottle feeding. By seeking professional tongue tie therapy early on, you can prevent common feeding challenges from escalating and ensure that your baby is on the path to healthy growth and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tongue-tie cause sleep apnea?
While tongue tie itself does not directly cause sleep apnea, the restricted movement of the tongue may contribute to certain airway issues that could affect breathing during sleep. In some cases, tongue tie can lead to improper tongue posture, which may cause airway obstruction and disrupted sleep. However, each baby is different, and a healthcare professional should assess whether tongue tie is contributing to any sleep or breathing problems.
Will tongue-tie affect speech?
Tongue tie can potentially affect speech development, particularly if the restricted tongue movement limits the ability to produce certain sounds clearly. The impact on speech varies by child and severity of the tongue tie, with some children experiencing delays in articulation. Early intervention, such as a frenectomy, can help prevent or minimize speech difficulties by improving tongue mobility.
What is posterior tongue-tie?
Posterior tongue tie refers to a condition where the tongue’s restriction occurs at the base, closer to the back of the tongue, rather than at the tip. This type of tongue tie can be more difficult to identify visually but still significantly affects the tongue’s range of motion. Babies with posterior tongue tie may have trouble breastfeeding, swallowing, or controlling their tongue movements effectively.
Does tongue-tie affect bottle feeding?
Yes, tongue tie can affect bottle feeding by making it difficult for the baby to create a proper seal and control milk flow, potentially leading to inefficient feeding, prolonged feeding times, and discomfort. Babies with tongue tie may swallow more air during bottle feeding, causing gas and fussiness. Addressing the tongue tie can help improve the baby’s ability to feed effectively from a bottle.
What can I expect if I have a tongue-tied baby?
If your baby has tongue tie, you may notice feeding challenges such as poor latch, extended feeding sessions, and difficulty transferring milk. Additionally, your baby may be fussy after feeding or show signs of gas and discomfort. Seeking support from a lactation consultant or specialist can help you navigate these issues and explore treatment options like a frenectomy to improve feeding outcomes.
Can tongue-tie be prevented?
Tongue tie cannot be prevented, as it is a congenital condition that develops during fetal development. While there is no known way to stop a baby from being born with tongue tie, early diagnosis and treatment can help address any feeding or speech issues associated with the condition. Timely intervention ensures your baby can thrive without unnecessary complications from tongue tie.
Your Baby’s Feeding Journey: We’re Here to Help
There are many challenges that come with feeding a tongue-tied baby, and Kentucky Breastfeeding Center is here to provide the support and guidance you need. Our team of compassionate lactation consultants is committed to helping you and your baby overcome feeding difficulties through personalized care and expert advice. Whether you’re seeking an in-person consultation or virtual support, we’re ready to assist you every step of the way. To schedule a consultation, simply call us directly or book an appointment using our booking tool on our website.