What to do if your baby is tongue tied

If you're a breastfeeding parent experiencing persistent nipple pain or noticing your baby struggling to latch, tongue tie could be the culprit. Also known as ankyloglossia, tongue tie is a congenital condition where a small band of tissue restricts your infant's tongue movement, potentially impacting feeding and development. While there's ongoing discussion about its significance, tongue tie can create serious breastfeeding challenges that affect how long families continue nursing. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and when to seek help can make all the difference in your feeding journey.

What Is Tongue Tie?

Tongue tie, medically called ankyloglossia, occurs when your infant's tongue is unable to move in normal patterns due to a small band of tissue called the frenulum tying it to the floor of the mouth. This is a congenital condition with an unknown cause, though it does tend to run in certain families.

While there is controversy about the significance of this condition, parents who breastfeed may encounter difficulties severe enough to limit the duration of breastfeeding or chest feeding.

Signs and Symptoms of Tongue Tie

As a parent, you may notice several indicators that your baby has tongue tie:

Feeding-Related Symptoms:

• Sore nipples that occur quickly and do not improve after the first few days
• Baby's inability to latch to the breast or stay attached during feeding
• Infant weight loss or inability to gain weight appropriately
• Reflux and/or colic symptoms

Physical Indicators:

• Heart-shaped tongue appearance
• Blanching (whitening) of the tongue when the frenulum is stretched
• Infant cannot stick their tongue out over the lower gums
• Baby cannot move their tongue side to side to follow your finger in their mouth

Long-Term Concerns:

• Speech may be affected as your child begins to speak
• Gap between lower or upper front teeth
• Dental caries (cavities) may occur when teeth come in because the tongue cannot clean them normally

When to Seek Help

If you're experiencing breastfeeding problems, the recommended approach is to first see a lactation consultant. They can determine if your issues can be remedied through advice on positioning, latch techniques, or other feeding methods.

If challenges persist, consult a provider experienced in diagnosing and treating infants with tongue tie, such as:

• Pediatric ENT specialist
• Pediatric dentist
• Pediatrician
• Oral surgeon

Having the right feeding tools, like our BuubiBottle Mini, can provide flexibility when you need alternative feeding options while working through challenges.

Treatment Options for Tongue Tie

There are several approaches families can take when addressing tongue tie:

Frenotomy

This is a simple snip of the frenulum that can be performed while your baby is in the hospital or in your physician's office. There is usually minimal bleeding, and the baby can breastfeed immediately after the procedure. This quick intervention often provides immediate relief for both parent and baby.

Frenuloplasty

This is a more extensive procedure reserved for more severe cases of tongue tie. It may require anesthesia and stitches, and is typically performed when a simple frenotomy isn't sufficient.

Tongue Exercises

If your infant has a "clipping" (frenotomy or frenuloplasty), your baby's provider may suggest specific exercises to help the area heal properly and prevent scar tissue formation. You'll need to follow their instructions, which may require doing these exercises several times per day.

Tips for tongue exercises:

• Always use a clean finger
• Know that it will get easier after a few attempts
• Ask for written instructions, a demonstration, or links to videos during the first evaluation

Wait and See Approach

Some families may choose a "wait and see" approach to determine if the condition will resolve with good breastfeeding care and support. This option involves working closely with a lactation consultant who can offer creative solutions and continue supporting you throughout your breastfeeding or chest feeding relationship.

Getting the Support You Need

Lactation consultants are invaluable resources when navigating tongue tie concerns. They have creative solutions to try and can continue to support you as you work through different approaches for your family throughout your breastfeeding journey.

Remember: Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding your infant's medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you've read online.