Information for Infants
Many babies breastfeed without difficulty, but some newborns have oral restrictions, such as a tongue tie (ankyloglossia), that can affect feeding and oral development. Early evaluation can help identify concerns and connect families with the right support if needed.
When Should My Baby Be Evaluated?
If you notice breastfeeding challenges, it’s best to have your baby evaluated within the first few days to the first few weeks after birth by a provider that has been trained in diagnosing anterior and mid tongue ties. Although an anterior tongue tie is easy to diagnose for most providers, a mid tongue restriction often takes someone who has advanced training. Early support can often improve feeding outcomes and help prevent ongoing challenges.
Signs Your Baby May Benefit From an Evaluation
Baby may:
• Have difficulty latching
• Click while nursing or bottle feeding
• Frequently lose suction
• Feed for very long periods
• Fall asleep during feeds but seem hungry shortly afterward
• Have poor weight gain
• Be gassy from swallowing excess air
• Leak milk from the corners of the mouth
Mom may experience:
• Painful nursing
• Cracked or damaged nipples
• Recurrent plugged ducts or mastitis
• Low milk transfer despite an adequate milk supply
• Needing to supplement because baby isn’t removing milk efficiently
Having one or more of these signs does not automatically mean your baby has a tongue tie, but they are reasons to seek an evaluation.
Why Does a Tongue Tie Matter?
A tongue tie can limit how the tongue moves. Since the tongue plays an important role in feeding, breathing, swallowing, and oral development, restricted movement may contribute to challenges throughout infancy and childhood.
Potential concerns may include:
Feeding
• Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding difficulties
• Poor milk transfer
• Maternal nipple pain
• Slow weight gain
Oral Development
• High, narrow palate
• Crowded teeth
• Increased need for orthodontic treatment
• Difficulty maintaining proper tongue posture
Airway & Breathing
• Mouth breathing
• Sleep-disordered breathing
• Snoring
• Altered facial growth patterns
Oral Function
• Difficulty with chewing
• Inefficient swallowing patterns
• Speech concerns (in some children)
Not every child with a tongue tie will experience these concerns, but early assessment allows families to make informed decisions.
A Team Approach Provides the Best Care
Every baby is unique. The best outcomes often come from working with a collaborative team. I recommend working with a IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant), Craniosacral therapist, Release provider and a Feeding specialist.
An IBCLC can:
• Assess breastfeeding and milk transfer
• Improve positioning and latch
• Determine whether feeding concerns may be related to oral function
• Provide support before and after any treatment
Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
Some families choose craniosacral therapy before and/or after a tongue tie release. Some release providers require CST before a release.
CST may help:
• Reduce body tension
• Improve comfort during feeding
• Support mobility of the head, neck, and jaw
• Complement other therapies
When a Tongue Tie Release May Be Recommended
If a comprehensive evaluation indicates that a tongue tie is significantly impacting feeding or oral function, a release (frenectomy) may be recommended. Release providers provide comprehensive evaluations to determine whether a tongue tie release is appropriate and works collaboratively with lactation consultants and therapy providers to support families before and after the release. Seeking an evaluation does not mean your baby will need a procedure.
The goal is to:
• Support comfortable, effective feeding
• Promote healthy oral development
• Encourage optimal breathing and tongue function
• Give parents confidence and answers
At Root Relief Myofunctional Therapy I aim to support healthy breathing, feeding, swallowing, and oral development for infants, children, and adults. Please reach out if you are concerned and I will gladly share my list of providers that I recommend.
This handout is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dental advice. Recommendations should be individualized by your healthcare team.