Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) in infants is a condition where the strip of tissue, the frenulum, under the tongue or under the lip is shorter or tighter than usual, which can cause restriction. This can have an impact on breastfeeding, causing issues such as the following:
- Poor Latch – A restricted tongue or lip can prevent a baby from forming a strong seal, leading to a shallow latch. This may cause them to slip off the breast or tire easily.
- Nipple Pain for Mothers – A shallow latch can lead to painful breastfeeding, cracked nipples, or mastitis due to the inability to effectively transfer milk.
- Low Milk Transfer – If the baby cannot use their tongue or lips effectively, low milk transfer may lead to poor insufficient weight gain for the baby.
- Longer Feeding Times – Babies with a tongue-tie often feed for extended periods of time as they may struggle to get enough milk.
Signs of a Possible Tongue/Lip-Tie
- Difficulty latching or maintaining a latch
- Clicking sounds during feeding
- Nipple pain or nipple damage
- Extended feeding times
- Slow weight gain for baby
- Spilling milk
- Colic or gassy baby
Consequences of Not Treating Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie
If left untreated, the tissue does not stretch or rip on its own. At best, the infant/tongue-tied baby will learn to compensate to eat. At worst, the breastfeeding relationship will suffer and/or end. Later in life, there may be difficulty chewing and/or swallowing certain solid foods. It may lead to delayed or difficult to understand speech.
Treatment Options
- Lactation consultants can assist with positioning and techniques that may alleviate some issues
- Frenectomy procedure – In some cases, a frenectomy may be recommended to improve tongue mobility. This procedure can be done in an office setting. After a frenectomy procedure, a lactation consultant or Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist can guide mothers through post-procedure exercises, stretches, and feeding.
Talk to one of our tongue-tie specialists to learn more or to schedule your appointment.
