Tongue tie in babies: what to look for

Content

What’s tongue tie in newborns?

What causes tongue tie?

What does tongue tie look like?

What are the signs and symptoms of tongue tie?

How common is tongue tie in newborns?

How can tongue tie affect babies and newborn health?

How can tongue tie affect breastfeeding?

How can tongue tie affect breastfeeding and bottle feeding?

Who should I talk to for medical advise on tongue tie?

What can I do if I am unsure about surgery?

What’s tongue tie in newborns?

The tongue plays an important role in breastfeeding. At birth, some newborns struggle with tongue tie, a condition where their tongue has a restricted range of motion, making it difficult to latch on to the breast and suck effectively Thankfully, not all tongue tie cases are the same, and there are many options for navigating this condition.

What causes tongue tie?

The cause of tongue tie is not known, but it runs in some families.

In most babies, the band of tissue underneath the tongue known as the lingual frenulum separates before birth, allowing the tongue to move freely. But with tongue tie, the lingual frenulum remains attached and tethered to the tip of the tongue instead of farther back. In those cases, the lingual frenulum can be short, thick or tight and sometimes interfere with breastfeeding.

Not all babies with tongue tie struggle to breastfeed. It’s also helpful to remember that as your baby grows, the frenulum will naturally move back as they approach the age of six.

The good news is there are options for you and your baby!

What does tongue tie look like?

Checking your baby’s tongue is one way to see what tongue tie can look like. If you suspect your newborn may have tongue tie, a doctor will likely perform a physical exam on your baby.

What’re the signs and symptoms of tongue tie?

These are the main signs and symptoms of tongue tie in a newborn:

Your baby’s tongue might appear notched or heart-shaped
Your baby might struggle to lift the tongue or move it from side to side
When breastfeeding, your little one might struggle and be unable to latch onto your breast. If they are unable to move the tongue and keep it in the right position, they may chew instead of suck, which can make it difficult to access your breast milk.
Other signs while breastfeeding include frustration, irritability, frequent crying, minimal weight gain and refusal of the breast.

How common is tongue tie in newborns?

The early days of breastfeeding can be full of surprises, especially for parents who are not informed and prepared for the skills sometimes required to get their little one feeding. But generally speaking, tongue tie is not that common in newborns. One study shows up to eight percent of babies are affected by tongue tie, and it is more common in males than females. Fortunately, the medical science in this area is growing.

How can tongue tie affect babies and newborn health?

Moms and their newborns struggling with tongue tie will often experience difficulty with breastfeeding. Without the ability to latch on and suck, some newborns will be unable to access adequate nutrition and gain weight.

Additionally, moms might experience sore and hard nipples from an inadequate latch, or even breast engorgement if they are unable to drain their breasts properly.

If you suspect your baby might have tongue tie, it’s important to speak to a doctor for a diagnosis.

How can tongue tie affect breastfeeding?

Tongue tie can affect breastfeeding and bottle feeding because babies use their tongues to draw in your nipple and part of your areola into their mouth. When your baby’s tongue has a full range of motion, it’s able to create a seal when it latches to your breast, effectively removing milk from your breast.

Because tongue tie limits the movement and motion of your little one’s tongue, this condition often prevents your newborn from latching correctly.

To compensate, your baby may try to suck harder – which can make breastfeeding painful. Or your baby may not be able to latch at all, becoming frustrated and even eventually refusing to nurse.

Because of the struggle often associated with tongue tie, some moms may decide to stop breastfeeding sooner than they would have preferred. Seek help from a specialist and always remember, regardless of how long or short your breastfeeding journey is, you are unique and every drop counts. Be proud of what you’ve produced!

Who should I talk to for medical advise on tongue tie?

If you think your baby might have tongue tie, it’s best to speak to a pediatrician or an ear, nose and throat specialist who can examine your baby and determine a proper diagnosis. (A certified lactation consultant is not supposed to diagnose tongue tie, but they can make referrals to these medical specialists.)

Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor might recommend a straightforward surgical procedure, what’s known as ‘tongue tie release’ or ‘frenectomy’, but oftentimes a bit of breastfeeding coaching can help remedy a lot of issues before considering a surgical option.

What can I do if I am unsure about surgery?

It’s normal to be unsure about how to handle tongue tie. Fortunately, there are options. Lactation specialists can provide latching tips and check whether your technique is correct. They might also suggest new positions or methods to help improve your comfort – remember, breastfeeding is not supposed to be painful! They might also recommend nipple shields in case your baby is struggling to latch on properly, and your breasts are sore.

Finally, remember you can always pump for a short time if you’re unable to find a quick solution––that way your milk supply will be maintained, and your nipples will have time to heal.

Always try to be gentle with yourself and know that breastfeeding can naturally be challenging. By seeking advise, you are already taking steps to help you, and your newborn enjoy this journey together.