tongue tie
Tongue tie
Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tissue (frenulum) connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual. This can restrict the tongue's movement, making breastfeeding challenging for your baby.
Understanding and addressing tongue tie is important for a successful breastfeeding experience.
What to watch out for
It’s important to recognize the signs of tongue tie early to prevent breastfeeding difficulties. Here are some signs and tips for managing tongue tie:
- Difficulty latching: Babies with tongue tie may have trouble latching onto the breast properly, causing pain for you and frustration for your baby.
- Poor weight gain: If your baby isn't able to feed effectively, they might not gain weight as expected.
- Clicking sounds: You might hear clicking or smacking sounds while your baby is feeding, indicating a poor latch.
- Nipple pain: You may experience nipple pain or damage due to your baby’s improper latch.
If you suspect your baby has tongue tie, consult with a lactation consultant or pediatric dentist. They can assess your baby's mouth and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include a simple procedure to release the frenulum (frenotomy).
Physical limitations or health circumstances
Certain physical conditions can increase the likelihood of experiencing difficulties due to tongue tie:
- Restricted tongue movement: The limited movement of the tongue can make it hard for your baby to latch properly and effectively remove milk from the breast.
- Difficulty with other oral functions: Tongue tie can also impact your baby’s ability to bottle-feed, use a pacifier, and later, their speech development.
Other terms
Understanding related terms can help you better manage tongue tie and breastfeeding challenges:
- Latch: The way your baby attaches to your breast. A good latch helps ensure effective feeding. Learn more about a good latch
- Nipple pain: Pain in the nipples can be caused by a poor latch due to tongue tie. Read about managing nipple pain
- Frenotomy: A simple procedure to release the frenulum, improving tongue movement.
- Frenulum: The tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
- Lactation consultant: A professional who can provide support and guidance on breastfeeding issues.
