Understanding Tongue Tie's and the Impact on Feeding
As a lactation consultant, my goal is to help new mothers and their babies through any breastfeeding challenges they may encounter. One common issue that can affect successful breastfeeding is tongue tie. Tongue ties undoubtably have an impact on breastfeeding and it is important to seek proper evaluation and support. By doing so you can be empowered to navigate breastfeeding with confidence. I hope to help bring clarity to how tongue ties impact breastfeeding and also some ideas on how to navigate through the challenges they pose.
What is a Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the frenulum is too tight, restricting tongue movement. This limitation can hinder breastfeeding and oral functions by affecting motion in various directions. It may lead to difficulties in latching, complicate milk transfer, and cause discomfort for mothers.
Symptoms of tongue tie may include:
Symptoms of tongue tie may include:
- Painful breastfeeding for the mother
- Poor latch or difficulty maintaining a latch
- Clicking or smacking sounds during feeding
- Trouble moving the tongue or performing sucking motions
- Blisters on the baby's lips
Scenarios that tongue ties create:
- Slow or insufficient weight gain
- Low or perceived milk supply
- Perceived rapid letdown
- Fussy babies
- Babies who only contact nap
- Sleepy babies
- Frequent feeding
- Babies who struggle to transition from breast to bottle or vice versa
- Mothers experiencing clogged ducts or mastitis due to inefficient milk removal
- Increased maternal exhaustion due to prolonged or more frequent feeding sessions
- Emotional stress for both mother and baby, stemming from feeding challenges
Treatment for Tongue Tie
If a tongue tie is diagnosed, treatment typically involves releasing the frenulum by a physician or dentist, often done in-office without general anesthesia. Timing for the procedure should be discussed with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider, as individual cases may require different approaches. Post-procedure care will also differ based on the specific situation.
The Role of the IBCLC and the Timing of Support and Treatment
If you suspect your baby's tongue tie is affecting breastfeeding, consulting a lactation consultant experienced in assessing and treating tongue tie is crucial.
While a visual examination of the tongue can provide initial insights, it is not the sole determining factor. The impact of tongue tie on breastfeeding varies among babies, and factors such as positioning, latch, milk transfer, and maternal factors must also be considered. An IBCLC can do a functional assessment to help narrow down the factors impacting feeding.
Early symptom management can lead to better long-term outcomes for both mother and baby.
If left untreated, tongue ties can result in persistent breastfeeding difficulties, poor weight gain, and more complex issues as the baby matures. Therefore, addressing symptoms promptly is essential.
An IBCLC can evaluate your baby's feeding patterns, observe the latch & feeding, and assess other relevant factors to determine the best course of action. This assessment aims to identify concerns and create a plan to improve breastfeeding, ensuring both mother and baby are comfortable and thriving.
Assessing milk supply is another critical aspect of working with an IBCLC. Babies respond to flow, and inadequate milk flow can hinder their motivation to breastfeed effectively. If a tongue tie is present, breastmilk intake may be inadequate which can interfere with milk production, due to an interruption of the demand and supply mechanism. Even after a revision, low supply can persist, leading to claims that "the tongue tie wasn't the issue." Assisting mothers in improving supply can help with weight gain and prepare them for revision, providing a clearer timeline for expected improvements.
Merely releasing the tongue tie often does not resolve the underlying concerns. If milk supply has been affected or infant weight gain is inadequate, a frenulum release alone will not address these issues. In fact, conducting the release before addressing these problems may worsen the situation.A significant observation is that babies at an appropriate weight for their age tend to recover more effectively after release compared to those who are underweight or gaining slowly. Waiting for resolution of weight gain issues before proceeding with a release can make a considerable difference, highlighting the importance of working with an IBCLC beforehand.
Maternal pain should also be addressed independently of any infant treatment. Tongue ties can cause pain and trauma to the mother’s breasts, which may resolve post-revision, but it is preferable to proactively manage these issues. By addressing breast and nipple concerns separately, the mother will heal faster, reduce risks of infection and the effectiveness of the revision can be assessed more clearly without interfere from old pain and trauma.
Other factors that may influence breastfeeding can also be recognized by IBCLCs, including conditions like torticollis. In such cases, a referral to other specialists, such as chiropractors or craniosacral therapists, might be necessary to address physical issues. Based on my experience, addressing these concerns initially often results in a quicker recovery following a revision.
Lactation consultants are vital in providing support before and after a tongue tie release. They collaborate closely with families to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses both the physical procedure and the emotional and practical aspects involved. Various activities and exercises can be implemented with infants to support their success post-release. Having this information before hand can help alleviate more concerns post release.
It’s important to consider whether the baby is truly ready for a release and if the family is prepared, as timing and preparation are essential. The approach for post revision also plays a significant role in the outcome. It is crucial to approach the situation holistically, considering the unique needs and circumstances of each family. By working closely with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), you can ensure that any intervention is timely, appropriate, and supportive of your breastfeeding goals.
While a visual examination of the tongue can provide initial insights, it is not the sole determining factor. The impact of tongue tie on breastfeeding varies among babies, and factors such as positioning, latch, milk transfer, and maternal factors must also be considered. An IBCLC can do a functional assessment to help narrow down the factors impacting feeding.
Early symptom management can lead to better long-term outcomes for both mother and baby.
- Enhance breastfeeding success by preventing milk supply issues
- Improve infant growth patterns through adequate intake
- Alleviate maternal pain
- Prevent long-term compensatory behaviors in the infant
- Support proper oral motor development in the baby
If left untreated, tongue ties can result in persistent breastfeeding difficulties, poor weight gain, and more complex issues as the baby matures. Therefore, addressing symptoms promptly is essential.
An IBCLC can evaluate your baby's feeding patterns, observe the latch & feeding, and assess other relevant factors to determine the best course of action. This assessment aims to identify concerns and create a plan to improve breastfeeding, ensuring both mother and baby are comfortable and thriving.
Assessing milk supply is another critical aspect of working with an IBCLC. Babies respond to flow, and inadequate milk flow can hinder their motivation to breastfeed effectively. If a tongue tie is present, breastmilk intake may be inadequate which can interfere with milk production, due to an interruption of the demand and supply mechanism. Even after a revision, low supply can persist, leading to claims that "the tongue tie wasn't the issue." Assisting mothers in improving supply can help with weight gain and prepare them for revision, providing a clearer timeline for expected improvements.
Merely releasing the tongue tie often does not resolve the underlying concerns. If milk supply has been affected or infant weight gain is inadequate, a frenulum release alone will not address these issues. In fact, conducting the release before addressing these problems may worsen the situation.A significant observation is that babies at an appropriate weight for their age tend to recover more effectively after release compared to those who are underweight or gaining slowly. Waiting for resolution of weight gain issues before proceeding with a release can make a considerable difference, highlighting the importance of working with an IBCLC beforehand.
Maternal pain should also be addressed independently of any infant treatment. Tongue ties can cause pain and trauma to the mother’s breasts, which may resolve post-revision, but it is preferable to proactively manage these issues. By addressing breast and nipple concerns separately, the mother will heal faster, reduce risks of infection and the effectiveness of the revision can be assessed more clearly without interfere from old pain and trauma.
Other factors that may influence breastfeeding can also be recognized by IBCLCs, including conditions like torticollis. In such cases, a referral to other specialists, such as chiropractors or craniosacral therapists, might be necessary to address physical issues. Based on my experience, addressing these concerns initially often results in a quicker recovery following a revision.
Lactation consultants are vital in providing support before and after a tongue tie release. They collaborate closely with families to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses both the physical procedure and the emotional and practical aspects involved. Various activities and exercises can be implemented with infants to support their success post-release. Having this information before hand can help alleviate more concerns post release.
It’s important to consider whether the baby is truly ready for a release and if the family is prepared, as timing and preparation are essential. The approach for post revision also plays a significant role in the outcome. It is crucial to approach the situation holistically, considering the unique needs and circumstances of each family. By working closely with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), you can ensure that any intervention is timely, appropriate, and supportive of your breastfeeding goals.
Contact Me
If you suspect your baby has a tongue tie or are facing challenges with breastfeeding, I am here to help! Please feel free to reach out for a consultation, and we will work together to find the best solutions for you and your baby.
