Breastfeeding is often envisioned as a natural and beautiful way to nourish and bond with your baby. 

For many mothers, however, the experience can quickly become fraught with frustration and pain, especially when their newborn struggles to latch or feed effectively.

One of the most common but often overlooked causes of these difficulties is a condition known as tongue-tie. But, with the right diagnosis and treatment, you and your baby can experience the full benefits of breastfeeding.

At the Tongue Tie Institute, part of Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we want you to know that tongue-tie doesn’t have to keep you from breastfeeding your baby. 

Understanding Tongue-Tie

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the thin piece of tissue (lingual frenulum) that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, tight, or thick. This restricts the tongue’s range of motion and can lead to difficulties in breastfeeding, speech development, and other oral functions.

How Tongue-Tie Affects Breastfeeding

When a baby has a tongue-tie, the restricted movement of the tongue can make it challenging for them to latch onto the breast properly. This can result in:

Poor Latch: A baby with tongue-tie may not be able to latch deeply onto the breast, leading to shallow and painful latching.

Inadequate Milk Transfer: Inefficient latching can result in poor milk transfer, meaning your baby may not be getting enough milk, which can affect weight gain and overall health.

Sore Nipples: Shallow latching often leads to sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples, making breastfeeding a painful and frustrating experience for the mother.

Prolonged Feeding Times: Babies with tongue-tie often take longer to feed because they are not able to extract milk efficiently, leading to frustration and exhaustion for both mother and baby.

Colic and Gas: The baby may swallow more air due to the poor latch, which can lead to increased gas, colic, and discomfort.

These challenges can make breastfeeding feel like an insurmountable task, causing some mothers to feel discouraged and even consider giving up on breastfeeding altogether. 

However, it’s important to know that tongue-tie is treatable, and with the right intervention, many of these issues can be resolved.

Diagnosing Tongue-Tie

If you suspect your baby may have a tongue-tie, there are several signs you can look for:

• Difficulty latching onto the breast
• Falling asleep often during feedings
• Poor weight gain or failure to thrive
• Gumming or chewing on the nipple rather than sucking
• Clicking sounds while nursing
• Frustration or fussiness during feedings
• Frequent feeding (more often than every 2-3 hours)

Additionally, some physical signs might include:

• A heart-shaped or notched tongue tip
• Inability to stick out the tongue past the lower lip
• Trouble moving the tongue from side to side

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult with a lactation consultant or pediatric dentist who specializes in tongue-tie diagnosis and treatment.

Professional Diagnosis

A proper diagnosis of tongue-tie is typically made by a trained healthcare provider, such as a lactation consultant, pediatrician, or pediatric dentist. 

During the evaluation, the provider will examine your baby’s mouth and assess the mobility of the tongue. They may also observe a breastfeeding session to understand how the tongue-tie is affecting latch and milk transfer.

Treatment Options for Tongue-Tie

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a quick snip of the frenulum using sterile scissors. It can often be done without anesthesia, especially in very young infants. The procedure typically takes only a few seconds, and many babies can breastfeed immediately afterward, often showing immediate improvement in latch and feeding.

Laser Frenectomy

A laser frenectomy is a more modern approach that uses a laser to release the frenulum. This method offers several advantages, including precision, minimal bleeding, and faster healing times. At the Tongue Tie Institute, we specialize in laser frenectomy, providing a safe and effective solution to tongue-tie that minimizes discomfort for your baby.

Post-Treatment Care and Support

After the procedure, it’s important to follow post-treatment care instructions to ensure proper healing and to maximize the benefits of the frenectomy. This may include:

Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises are often recommended to prevent the frenulum from reattaching as it heals.

Breastfeeding Support: Working with a lactation consultant can help you and your baby re-establish a proper latch and feeding routine. The consultant can offer tips and techniques to improve breastfeeding after the procedure.

Craniosacral Therapy: In some cases, craniosacral therapy may be recommended to address any residual tension or alignment issues in the baby’s body that may have developed as a result of the tongue-tie.

Why Breastfeeding Matters

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both mother and baby, including:

Nutritional Benefits: Breast milk provides the perfect balance of nutrients, antibodies, and hormones that are essential for your baby’s growth and development.

Bonding: The close physical contact during breastfeeding helps strengthen the emotional bond between mother and baby.

Health Benefits: Breastfed babies have a lower risk of infections, allergies, asthma, and obesity later in life. Mothers who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of certain cancers and other health conditions.

Given these benefits, it’s understandable why many mothers are determined to breastfeed. If tongue-tie is making it difficult for you and your baby, know that you are not alone, and there are solutions available.

Empowering Mothers to Breastfeed

Tongue-tie can present significant challenges to breastfeeding, but it doesn’t have to prevent you from nourishing and bonding with your baby.

At the Tongue Tie Institute, we are committed to helping you overcome these challenges through expert diagnosis, state-of-the-art treatment, and compassionate support.

If you suspect that your baby has a tongue-tie, or if you are struggling with breastfeeding, we encourage you to reach out to us. 

Our experienced team is here to provide the care and guidance you need to make breastfeeding a positive and fulfilling experience for both you and your baby.