TONGUE & Lip tie

Breastfeeding is an integral part of infant development, it is important that this relationship between the mother and child functions well.

The Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies receive breast milk exclusively until six months of age, and continue to be breastfed at least through the first year of their lives. 

The first place where tongue or lip-ties create problems is while breastfeeding. Either babies or mothers—or both—can have symptoms including painful or prolonged nursing, reflux, gas, colic, blistering or bloody nipples.  

If you are noticing any of these symptoms in mom or baby, PLEASE make an appointment to come see us for an evaluation! Having an evaluation is not a commitment to revise. It will equip you with the information you need to make the best decision for your family.  

Recent research has led to a change in the understanding of the mechanics of breastfeeding.  We now know that the tongue creates negative pressure in an infant’s mouth. This negative pressure causes the nipple to open up and allow milk to flow into an infant’s mouth. While nursing, the infant’s tongue should be able to pull the mother’s areolar complex to the palate and then lower it, thereby creating a vacuum.

One of the common misconceptions about tongue-ties is that since a baby can stick their tongue out that they aren’t tongue-tied. The ability to stick your tongue out has nothing to do with the ability to lift your tongue up.  During proper breastfeeding, the tongue must be able to elevate to the roof of the mouth.

Breastfeeding difficulties can be traumatic to both a new infant and to mom.  Fortunately, in many cases, breastfeeding difficulties that can be related to a tongue or lip-tie which can be easily revised.

We want to support breastfeeding moms to the best of our ability. When lip and tongue-ties are not released, breastfeeding problems will continue.  We understand that it can be scary to consider putting your little one through a tongue or lip-tie release, but the benefits to both mother and child are many. 

A tongue or lip-tie is not something that will self-correct, and the consequences of ties reach beyond a difficult breastfeeding relationship. However, breastfeeding is the first major hurdle, and a significant one in establishing your little one’s immune system. 

If at all possible, it is important to us to help you maintain your breastfeeding relationship both for your health and for the health of your little one. 

For more information about breastfeeding benefits & difficulties or to set an appointment to discuss your situation, contact us at 303.797.0832.