Navigate postpartum recovery by addressing mental and physical self-care. Learn key aspects such as...
Read MoreWhen a newborn struggles to breastfeed, it can be confusing and stressful for the entire family. One often‑overlooked culprit is tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, a condition in which a short, tight band of tissue (called the lingual frenulum) tethers the baby’s tongue to the floor of the mouth.
If left unaddressed, tongue ties can complicate feeding in the early days and may contribute to speech or dental concerns later in childhood.
Recognizing the signs of a tongue tie (ankyloglossia)
Not all tongue ties look the same, but there are telltale patterns that can point to ankyloglossia. You might notice your baby repeatedly slipping off the breast, taking 30 to 45 minutes or longer to feed, or making a clicking sound while breastfeeding. In many cases, parents report significant nipple discomfort, resulting in cracked or bruised skin, even when positioning seems correct.
“Some babies may also arch their backs or turn away while feeding, as though they’re struggling with the flow of the milk. Infants with tongue tie also may have problems with reflux, excess gas, and spitting up,” said Deborah Frye, R.N., a certified lactation consultant with Inspira Health. “If you see one or more of these behaviors alongside feeding frustration, it’s worth exploring tongue tie as a possible cause.”
How lactation consultants can help
Lactation consultants can discern whether poor feeding is purely positional or rooted in an oral‑anatomy issue such as a tongue tie. During an in‑depth evaluation, a consultant will observe a full feeding, looking for compensatory movements. They’ll then perform a gentle oral exam, lifting the tongue to assess frenulum length and tongue mobility. They can also do a weighted feeding to see how much milk the infant is transferring from the breast. This can discern if the tongue is hindering adequate milk removal.
“Rather than jumping immediately to a procedure, many consultants will first try a combination of latch adjustments and targeted exercises to help the infant latch more deeply,” said Frye. “These maneuvers often reduce discomfort and help the baby achieve a deeper latch, sometimes eliminating the need for further intervention.”
Tongue tie treatment options
If your baby’s tongue tie severely restricts tongue motion, your care team may recommend a frenotomy. The lactation consultant and/or pediatrician can recommend board certified professionals in your area who are experienced in performing this procedure. Other care team recommendations may be for OT (occupational therapy) and/or a chiropractor. Both professionals can help with body/jaw tightness and can be extremely helpful to aid in treatment success.
Frenotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that releases the frenulum using fine scissors or a laser. There is minimal bleeding, and parents are encouraged to breastfeed soon after the procedure to soothe their infant and ensure their tongue exercises its full range of motion. Afterward, your care team will walk you through simple aftercare stretches to prevent reattachment.
Long‑term benefits of early intervention for tongue ties
Addressing a tongue tie early on goes beyond immediate feeding gains. Unrestricted tongue movement helps your baby develop proper swallowing patterns, reducing the likelihood of compensatory habits such as jaw thrusting or facial tension that can shape oral development.
Taking the next step
“If you think your baby may have a tongue tie, your first call should be to your pediatrician or your hospital’s maternity or lactation department,” said Frye.
Early recognition and prompt support can transform a challenging breastfeeding start into a positive, confidence‑building experience. With the right care and guidance, you and your baby can overcome a tongue tie and enjoy a smoother, more comfortable breastfeeding journey, setting the stage for healthy development.
