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Understanding Tongue-Tie and Breastfeeding

Some babies are born with a condition called tongue-tie, where a small piece of tissue under the tongue (the frenulum) limits how well the tongue can move. In some cases, this makes breastfeeding more difficult or uncomfortable. Families in Chelsea, Gatineau and Ottawa can find more information about this condition below and reach out with any questions.

Baby opens mouth and shows visible tongue tie

What Will You Notice?

​Some signs that may point to a tongue-tie include:

  • Ongoing nipple pain or damage

  • Baby has a shallow latch or keeps popping off the breast

  • Feeds seem long or constant, but baby still seems hungry

  • Slow weight gain or weight plateau

  • Your milk supply is decreasing, even though you're feeding often

  • Trouble with bottle-feeding—such as leaking milk, clicking noises, nipple compressing, or extra air/swallowing

 

But—it’s important to know—not all tongue-ties cause problems, and many breastfeeding issues can be helped without surgery.

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How can a Lactation Consultant Help?

Before recommending any treatment, they will:

  • Watch a full feed to assess how baby latches and transfers milk

  • Discuss how breastfeeding feels for you

  • Examine your baby’s mouth gently and thoroughly (see video below)

  • Explore other causes (like positioning, shallow latch, or body tension)​​​​​​​​​

Example of Tongue Tie Assessment:

What Are Your Options?

​​May feeding challenges can be improved or resolved with skilled lactation support. Before considering a procedure, it's important to look at the whole picture.

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  • Sometimes, what looks like a tongue-tie is actually related to other issues like body tension, torticollis, or oral motor coordination. These can often be addressed with positioning, bodywork, or time as your baby grows.

  • If a tongue-tie is truly restricting function - and other approaches haven't helped - then a frenotomy (a quick procedure to release the tie) might help.

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Whatever the situation, I'll take the time to assess thoroughly and explain clearly so you can make a decision that feels right for your baby and your family.

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What's next?

As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I can support you with alternative feeding strategies, pain management, positioning techniques, and connect you with local resources who can help.

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If you're struggling with feeding, or wondering whether tongue-tie might be part of the picture - you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

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🧡 Book a lactation consult today to get support for you and your baby.

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Schedule Now → In-Home Breastfeeding Consult

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