Understanding Tongue Tie and Breastfeeding
by Jessica Maitland, IBCLC
Chelsea Lactation & Postpartum Care
Some babies are born with a condition commonly called tongue tie. This is when a small piece of tissue under the tongue (the frenulum) develops in a way which limits the tongue's full range of movement. In some cases, this makes breastfeeding difficult or painful. Tongue tie can also impact milk supply, bottle feeding, infant weight gain, reflux symptoms, and infant sleep patterns.
Families in Chelsea, Gatineau and Ottawa can find more information below about Tongue Tie or get direct support with an In-home Lactation Consult
What Are Common Tongue Tie Symptoms?
Some signs that may point to a tongue-tie include:
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Ongoing nipple pain or nipple damage
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Baby has a shallow latch or always falls asleep before they're full
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Feeds seem long or constant, but baby still seems hungry
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Slow weight gain or weight plateau
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Your milk supply is decreasing, even though you're feeding often
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Trouble with bottle-feeding—such as very long feeds, leaking milk, clicking noises, nipple compressing, or needing a faster milk flow
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Symptoms of reflux or extra fussiness
But—it’s important to know... Not all tongue-ties cause problems, and many breastfeeding issues can be helped without surgery.
How does a Lactation Consultant Help with Tongue Tie?
When symptoms of Tongue Tie are present, a lactation consultant will consider the whole picture before making any recommendations for treatment. A full assessment includes:
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Reviewing the history of your baby's symptoms
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Discussion of how breastfeeding feels for you
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Watching a full feed to assess how your baby latches and transfers milk
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Gentle and thorough examination of your baby’s mouth (see example)
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Exploring other causes (like positioning, shallow latch, or body tension)
Example of a Tongue Tie Assessment by LA Lactation, LLC:
What To Do If You Think Your Baby Has A Tongue Tie
Many feeding challenges can be improved or resolved with skilled lactation support. Before considering any 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.
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Some feeding issues can be addressed with positioning, bodywork, or time as your baby grows.
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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.
Whatever the situation, I welcome you to book an in-home consult. I'll take time to assess thoroughly and explain clearly. After which, you get to make a decision that feels right for you and your baby.
As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I will support you with alternative feeding strategies, pain management, milk supply tips, positioning techniques, and connect you with local resources who can help.
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.
🧡 Book a lactation consult to get support for you and your baby.
Schedule Now → In-Home Breastfeeding Consult
Additional Tongue Tie Resources
Research and Journal Articles
Breastfeeding support + Custom care plan
