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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.

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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?

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.

Schedule Now → In-Home Breastfeeding Consult

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