Embedded Files
Understanding Tongue Ties: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Understanding Tongue Ties: What Every Parent Needs to Know
As a lactation consultant, I often hear from parents who have been struggling with breastfeeding for weeks, facing constant pain and frustration, and feeling like they’re on the brink of giving up. Many times, they’ve been told, “Your baby is gaining weight, so there’s nothing to worry about,” or, “Your baby has a mild tongue tie, but it’s not a big deal.”
It’s easy to dismiss or overlook the possibility of a tongue tie, especially if your baby is gaining weight. I can relate—I didn’t believe my osteopath when he first suggested that my baby might need a tongue tie assessment. But if you’re dealing with symptoms that make feeding difficult, a thorough assessment is key. A proper evaluation goes beyond just looking; it involves assessing both your and your baby's symptoms and conducting a hands-on oral exam.
Symptoms of Oral Restrictions in Babies
Symptoms of Oral Restrictions in Babies
Oral restrictions, like a tongue tie or lip tie, can cause a variety of symptoms that affect your baby's ability to feed comfortably. Some of these signs might be subtle, but they’re worth noting. If any of these symptoms are impacting your feeding experience, be sure to bring them up with your healthcare provider:
Shallow or painful latch
Upper lip curling inward while latched
Milk spilling from the mouth (indicating a poor seal)
Clicking or smacking sounds while feeding
Coughing, choking, gagging, or fast gulping
Sucking blisters on the lips
White-coated tongue
Heart-shaped tongue
Spoon-shaped tongue when crying or when tongue is down
Gas, bloating, or abdominal discomfort
Signs of stress during feeding: closed fists, furrowed forehead, squinting or closing eyes tightly
Lipstick-shaped nipple after feeding
The Role of Body Workers in Supporting Your Baby
The Role of Body Workers in Supporting Your Baby
Body workers are trained therapists who specialize in techniques that promote alignment, balance, and relieve tension in your baby’s body. The three types of body workers listed below can offer different approaches to help improve your baby’s comfort and overall well-being. Look for providers who specialize in working with infants, and ask your healthcare team or other parents for recommendations. If you have extended health benefits, check to see if these services are covered.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST): CST is a gentle, soothing therapy that uses light touch to release tension in the body. This non-invasive treatment promotes relaxation and can help with issues like feeding difficulties and general discomfort. It’s safe and calming for babies.
Osteopathy: Osteopaths focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems in babies. Using soft, hands-on techniques, osteopaths work to correct misalignments, ease tension, and improve overall development. This approach can be particularly helpful for babies experiencing feeding struggles, tightness, or discomfort.
Chiropractic Care: Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help correct spinal misalignments and alleviate tension that may be contributing to symptoms like reflux, sleep disturbances, and colic. Ensuring proper alignment can support better feeding and overall well-being for your baby.
Oral Exercises: Strengthening Your Baby’s Feeding Skills
Oral Exercises: Strengthening Your Baby’s Feeding Skills
A lactation consultant can help assess your baby’s oral function and recommend targeted oral exercises to improve muscle tone, soften the tissues in the mouth, and strengthen the tongue muscles. These exercises are not only beneficial for feeding, but they can also be a bonding activity! Making eye contact, singing songs, or chatting with your baby while doing the exercises can turn them into a fun and loving experience.
Think of oral exercises as a “warm-up” for feeding, similar to how you might stretch before a workout. Warming up the muscles beforehand is important for feeding success and can make a significant difference in how your baby latches and feeds.
The Importance of Having Trusted Support
The Importance of Having Trusted Support
Navigating feeding difficulties can be overwhelming, especially if you feel isolated or unsure of where to turn. Having someone you trust, like a lactation consultant, can be a game-changer. They can offer knowledgeable, unbiased support to help you make informed decisions and boost your confidence as you work through challenges.
As a mom who’s experienced the challenges of babies with tethered oral ties, I truly empathize with the emotional and physical toll it can take. I understand how tough it is to learn about these issues while dealing with the exhaustion and stress of the early days of motherhood. My goal is to help you avoid the overwhelming and confusing process I went through. I’m here to offer support, share my experience, and help you find the solutions that work best for you and your baby.
Resources
Resources
Page updated
Report abuse