Breastfeeding with a Tongue Tie: Expert Advice for New Moms
When done successfully, breastfeeding is an incredible experience for both mother and baby. While hardly any breastfeeding journeys are without practice and frustration, some may face additional challenges, such as a tongue tie. A tongue tie is a condition where the thin membrane (frenulum) under the baby’s tongue restricts the tongue’s range of motion. This can lead to difficulties in breastfeeding, causing pain, and reducing milk transfer. In this article, we will explore what a tongue tie is, how to recognize it, the challenges it poses to breastfeeding, and ways of managing or breastfeeding with it. We will also discuss when it may be necessary to surgically remove the tongue tie and what that healing process involves.
What Is A Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie occurs when the thin membrane under the baby’s tongue restricts the tongue’s range of motion. This membrane, called the frenulum, may be too tight or too short, causing the tongue to have limited mobility. Some babies may have a tongue tie and still nurse without any complications. However, others may struggle with breastfeeding and experience pain, low milk transfer, and other challenges as they grow up, such as dental and speech issues.
How To Recognize A Tongue Tie
There are several signs that a baby may exhibit to indicate that they have a tongue tie. In regards to breastfeeding, you may notice that your baby has difficulty latching or staying latched onto your breast. They may have trouble sucking, swallowing, or make a clicking sound while nursing. Oftentimes babies with tongue ties will feed for extended periods of time without getting enough milk and have poor weight gain as a result. These mothers experience nipple pain, damage, or bleeding. Inspecting your baby’s tongue can also help you determine whether or not they have a tongue tie. Visible signs include a heart-shaped tongue, a tongue that appears to be anchored to the bottom of the mouth, or a tongue that cannot extend past the lower gums. If you are concerned that your baby may have a tongue tie, it is important to speak with a lactation consultant, pediatrician, or other healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Breastfeeding With A Tongue Tie
Breastfeeding with a tongue tie can be challenging, but it is possible with some modifications and support. Here are some tips for breastfeeding with a tongue tie:
1. Positioning: Ensure that your baby is positioned correctly and has a good latch. This may involve trying different positions to find what works best for you and your baby. The best breastfeeding positions for a baby with a tongue tie depend on the severity of the tie and the mother’s comfort. Some positions that can help include the football hold, side-lying position, and laid-back position. These positions help the baby to latch more effectively and allow them to access more milk. It is also important to ensure that the baby’s head is properly supported and the mother is in a comfortable position to prevent any pain or discomfort during feeding.
2. Take breaks: If your baby becomes tired or frustrated, take breaks during the feeding to allow your baby to rest and regroup. Trying to force a feeding only leads to you and your baby becoming overwhelmed and overstimulated.
3. Increase feedings: Offer your baby frequent feedings to ensure they are getting enough milk. A baby with a tongue tie may have a harder time removing milk from the breast, so they may need to nurse more often to get enough milk.
4. Pumping: If your baby is unable to remove milk effectively, consider using a breast pump to express milk and maintain your milk supply.
5. Seek support: Reach out to a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group for help and advice. They can provide guidance on breastfeeding with a tongue tie and may recommend additional resources, such as using a nipple shield to help your baby latch on properly.
6. Bodywork or exercises: Your lactation consultant or pediatrician may recommend that you seek professional help from a chiropractor or pediatric dentist who can provide bodywork or exercises designed to improve the tongue’s range of motion.
Having The Tongue Tie Surgically Removed
The majority of tongue tie cases do not require surgery. However, in instances where it ‘s causing significant difficulties with breastfeeding or expected to impact the baby’s future development, surgery may be necessary. This procedure, called a frenotomy, involves cutting the frenulum with a pair of scissors or laser. The procedure is generally safe and quick, taking only a few minutes. Breastfeeding can continue immediately after the procedure and it is recommended to breastfeed as often as possible to promote healing and prevent scarring. It is also important to continue with any exercises or stretches recommended by the healthcare provider to help the baby regain full range of motion in their tongue. The healing process can vary from baby to baby, but typically, the soreness and discomfort should improve within a week or two. To help with the healing process, it is important to keep the area clean and dry. The baby’s mouth should be gently cleaned after every feeding to prevent infection. The baby may also be prescribed pain relief medication, but this should be discussed with a doctor or lactation consultant before administering.
Breastfeeding with a tongue tie can be challenging, but it is not impossible. By recognizing the signs of a tongue tie, seeking the assistance of a lactation consultant, and exploring various ways to manage or breastfeed with it, most mothers and babies can have a successful breastfeeding journey. In some cases, a frenotomy may be necessary to help the baby breastfeed effectively, and if this is the case, it is important to have a good understanding of what the procedure involves and how to support your baby during the healing process. Remember, every baby is different, and it may take some time and patience to find what works best for you and your little one.
You Can Do This!
Take the stress and confusion out of keeping track of your baby’s feedings and your pumping schedule with this breastfeeding and pumping tracker. This printable PDF is especially beneficial if multiple people are in charge of feedings and is a great resource to track your baby’s feeding habits with your pediatrician.
