Understanding and Addressing Feeding Challenges in Your Newborn
For new parents, the breastfeeding journey is a profound bonding experience, but it can also bring unexpected challenges. When an infant has difficulty latching, feeding becomes stressful for both mother and baby. If you’ve noticed poor weight gain, painful nursing, or a clicking sound during feeding, your child may have a condition known as ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie. Here in Boise, parents have access to specialized and compassionate care at the Center for Orofacial Myology, where our integrated team can assess, diagnose, and treat this common but often misunderstood issue, setting your baby on a path to healthier development.
What is Infant Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth where an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) tethers the bottom of the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth. This restricted movement can significantly interfere with a baby’s ability to breastfeed effectively. For a successful latch, an infant needs to extend their tongue over the lower gum line and cup the breast, creating a seal to draw out milk. A restrictive frenulum prevents this essential motion. While up to 10% of newborns may have some degree of tongue-tie, not all cases require intervention. However, when it causes feeding difficulties, treatment is often recommended.
Recognizing the Signs of Tongue-Tie
Identifying a potential tongue-tie involves observing both the baby and the nursing mother. Early detection is key to preventing feeding frustrations and nutritional issues.
Symptoms in Infants
- Difficulty latching or maintaining a deep latch.
- Making a clicking sound while nursing.
- Poor weight gain or slow weight gain.
- Falling asleep frequently at the breast.
- Excessive gassiness or reflux due to swallowing air.
- Inability to stick the tongue out past the lower gums.
- A heart-shaped or notched appearance at the tip of the tongue when extended.
Symptoms in Nursing Mothers
- Painful breastfeeding sessions.
- Damaged, cracked, or bleeding nipples.
- Flattened or lipstick-shaped nipples after feeding.
- Low milk supply due to ineffective milk removal.
- Recurrent blocked ducts or mastitis.
If these signs sound familiar, seeking professional help is a crucial next step. Our skilled team provides comprehensive lactation support and can determine if a tongue-tie is the root cause of your difficulties.
The Infant Tongue-Tie Release Procedure (Frenotomy)
When a tongue-tie is interfering with feeding, a simple and quick procedure called a frenotomy can provide immediate relief. A frenotomy involves releasing the restrictive lingual frenulum, allowing the tongue to move freely. At the Center for Orofacial Myology, this is a minimally invasive procedure performed with precision and care.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The infant tongue-tie release is a swift process that takes only a few moments. We often use a specialized laser, which minimizes bleeding and discomfort. Anesthesia is typically not required for newborns, as the frenulum has very few nerve endings. Your baby is safely swaddled, the tongue is gently lifted, and the tight tissue is released. Many mothers are able to breastfeed immediately afterward, which helps comfort the baby and encourages proper tongue movement from the start.
Benefits Beyond Breastfeeding
While improved feeding is the most immediate benefit, releasing a tongue-tie can have positive long-term effects. Left untreated, a significant tongue-tie can contribute to:
- Speech Development Issues: Difficulty articulating sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “th.”
- Oral Health Problems: A restricted tongue can’t effectively sweep food debris from the teeth, potentially increasing the risk of cavities.
- Breathing and Sleep Challenges: Improper tongue posture can affect airway development and may contribute to mouth breathing or sleep-disordered breathing later in life.
By addressing the issue early, you support not only your child’s nutrition but their overall oral and facial development. This whole-body approach is central to the care we provide, often integrating craniosacral therapy or physical therapy to release associated tension.
Holistic Care for Families in Boise and the Treasure Valley
At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we understand that treating a tongue-tie is more than just a quick procedure. It’s about supporting the entire family. Our Boise-based clinic offers an integrated approach that brings together experts in orofacial myology, feeding therapy, and lactation support. We work collaboratively to ensure your child not only has the physical ability to feed well but also re-learns the correct mechanics for a comfortable and effective nursing relationship. We are proud to serve families throughout the Treasure Valley, including Meridian, Eagle, and Star, providing a central hub for specialized pediatric care.
Ready to Find a Solution?
If you suspect your infant has a tongue-tie, don’t wait to find answers. Our compassionate team is here to provide a thorough evaluation and create a personalized care plan that supports you and your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tongue-tie release procedure painful for my baby?
The procedure is very quick, and since the frenulum has few nerves, discomfort is minimal. Most babies are fussy for only a short time and are soothed by nursing immediately after. For older babies, some soreness is possible for a day or two.
How long is the recovery after a frenotomy?
The mouth heals very quickly. A white patch, which is like a scab in the mouth, will form under the tongue and heal over one to two weeks. We will provide you with simple aftercare stretches to ensure the frenulum doesn’t reattach and to encourage proper tongue mobility.
Will my baby be able to breastfeed better right away?
Many babies latch better immediately, but for others, it can take time. Both mother and baby need to learn a new skill now that the tongue has a full range of motion. Patience and follow-up with a lactation consultant are key parts of the process.
Can a tongue-tie correct itself over time?
In some mild cases, the frenulum may loosen as the child grows. However, if the tongue-tie is causing significant feeding problems, waiting is not recommended as it can impact the baby’s nutrition and the mother’s milk supply.
Glossary of Terms
- Ankyloglossia
- The medical term for tongue-tie, a condition where the range of tongue motion is restricted at birth.
- Lingual Frenulum
- The small band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
- Frenotomy
- A simple surgical procedure where the lingual frenulum is clipped or released to improve the tongue’s range of motion.
- Mastitis
- An inflammation of breast tissue that can sometimes involve an infection, often caused by a blocked milk duct, which can result from an infant’s poor latch.