A calmer, more confident start for you and your baby—without guesswork
Breastfeeding can feel surprisingly hard—even when you’ve read the books, watched the videos, and “tried everything.” If you’re dealing with nipple pain, shallow latch, clicking sounds, frequent feeds that don’t seem satisfying, or concerns about milk transfer and weight gain, you’re not alone. Families across Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, and the Treasure Valley often come to Center for Orofacial Myology because they want one place to look at the whole picture: baby’s oral function, feeding mechanics, airway and breathing patterns, and the caregiver’s comfort and supply—then build a plan that makes sense.
When to seek lactation support (sooner is better)
It’s normal to have some tenderness early on, but breastfeeding should not remain painful once latch and positioning are working well. Health guidance notes that pain that doesn’t improve over the first week or two, cracked or damaged skin, or persistent latch issues are reasons to get help promptly. (cdc.gov)
Common “please help” signs we see in Boise families:
• Breastfeeding hurts, pinches, or leaves nipples misshapen
• Cracked or bleeding nipples, or pain that persists beyond early adjustment
• Baby repeatedly pops on/off, seems frustrated, or feeds constantly without settling
• Clicking sounds, milk leaking from the corners of the mouth, or “chompy” suck
• Concerns about weight gain, sleep, reflux-like symptoms, or lots of air swallowing
• You suspect tongue-tie—or you’ve been told “maybe lip tie” and aren’t sure what’s real
Note: Signs of a poor latch can include pain, curled-in lips, baby only suckling on the nipple, cracked/bleeding nipples, and baby frequently coming off the breast. (cdc.gov)
What “lactation support” should include (beyond quick latch tips)
Effective lactation support is both comfort-focused and function-focused. Yes, position and latch matter—but so do baby’s oral motor skills, muscle tone, tongue mobility, coordination, and breathing patterns.
1) A complete feeding assessment
We look at history, symptoms, and what happens during a feed—so recommendations are tailored (not generic).
2) Latch mechanics + comfort
“Breastfeeding should not hurt” is a standard goal once latch is effective. Comfort and tissue healing matter. (cdc.gov)
3) Oral function + airway awareness
Mouth breathing, poor tongue posture, or disrupted sleep can affect feeding and recovery. If airway concerns are present, an airway evaluation can be part of the plan.
Important nuance about tongue-tie: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that “symptomatic ankyloglossia” is when a restrictive lingual frenulum contributes to breastfeeding problems not improved with lactation support. They also note that diagnostic criteria vary and that frenotomy for preventing future issues (like speech or sleep apnea) is not evidence-based. (publications.aap.org)
Did you know? Quick facts that help parents make faster decisions
Pain isn’t “just normal” forever
If pain persists or nipples are cracking/bleeding, it’s a sign to get skilled support rather than pushing through. (cdc.gov)
Tongue-tie is about function
Visual appearance alone can be misleading—what matters is whether restriction is affecting feeding and not improving with lactation support. (publications.aap.org)
Sleep and breathing can matter
In children, sleep-disordered breathing may show up as snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, or daytime behavior/attention issues. (nhlbi.nih.gov)
A practical roadmap: what happens at Center for Orofacial Myology
Many families come in exhausted because care feels fragmented—one provider for latch, another for body tension, another for possible tongue-tie, and no one connecting the dots. Our Boise clinic is built for integrated support across feeding, oral function, and whole-body development.
Want to learn more about how we support breastfeeding dyads? Visit our Boise Lactation Support page.
Step-by-step: what you can try today (and when to stop troubleshooting alone)
Step 1: Check for “good latch” basics
A good latch should feel comfortable (not pinchy), and baby should take a generous mouthful of breast—not just the nipple. If you notice persistent pain, curled-in lips, or baby repeatedly coming off, that’s a sign to reach out for help. (womenshealth.gov)
Step 2: Protect milk supply while you get support
Frequent milk removal early on helps build supply; many newborns feed every 1–3 hours in the first weeks. If baby isn’t transferring well at the breast, pumping to match feeds can help protect supply until feeding improves. (cdc.gov)
Step 3: Consider a functional tongue-tie screening—without rushing
If lactation adjustments aren’t improving milk transfer or comfort, a functional evaluation can clarify whether a restrictive frenulum is contributing. The AAP recommends a complete breastfeeding assessment before treatment, and defines “symptomatic ankyloglossia” as restriction with breastfeeding problems not improved with lactation support. (publications.aap.org)
Step 4: If sleep, snoring, or mouth breathing are part of the story, say so
Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing can show up as snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, and daytime behavior/attention issues. If those are present, an airway-focused plan may be appropriate. (nhlbi.nih.gov)
For educational handouts and supportive reading between visits, explore our Resources library.
A Boise & Treasure Valley angle: why integrated care matters here
In the Treasure Valley, families are busy—commutes between Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and Star add up quickly, especially with a newborn. When feeding struggles require multiple appointments at different offices, it’s easy to lose momentum (and confidence). A coordinated approach—lactation support alongside feeding therapy, airway evaluations, and orofacial myofunctional therapy when appropriate—reduces “try this, then try that” and helps families move forward with a clear plan.
If you’d like to meet the clinicians who collaborate on care, you can also visit Your Team.
Ready for a feeding plan that feels doable?
Schedule a consultation at Center for Orofacial Myology in Boise. We’ll listen closely, assess function, and help you decide on next steps—whether that’s targeted lactation support, feeding therapy, an airway evaluation, or coordinated tongue-tie care when appropriate.
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Boise clinic • Infant to adult care
FAQ: Lactation support, tongue-tie, and feeding therapy
How do I know if my baby’s latch is “bad” or just learning?
Early learning is normal, but ongoing pain, cracked/bleeding nipples, baby only suckling on the nipple, or baby repeatedly coming off the breast are common signs that latch needs support. (cdc.gov)
Does tongue-tie always require a release?
No. The AAP notes that infants with ankyloglossia and normal feeding patterns need no intervention. When breastfeeding is painful or ineffective, a complete breastfeeding assessment and lactation support come first, and release is considered when restriction is clearly contributing and problems aren’t improving. (publications.aap.org)
What if I’ve been told my baby has “lip tie” or “buccal tie”?
This can be confusing. The AAP clinical report notes that labial and buccal frenula are normal oral structures and do not require surgical intervention to improve breastfeeding; they also emphasize that buccal tie release is not supported by evidence. (publications.aap.org)
When should I worry about sleep or airway issues in my child?
If you see snoring, mouth breathing, breathing pauses, restless sleep, or daytime behavior/attention issues, talk with a pediatric provider. Pediatric sleep apnea can present differently than adult sleep apnea, and evaluation may include a sleep study. (nhlbi.nih.gov)
Can feeding therapy help if breastfeeding is the goal?
Yes. Feeding therapy can support oral motor coordination, endurance, pacing, and sensory/motor patterns that affect efficient milk transfer—often complementing lactation care rather than replacing it.
Glossary (helpful terms you may hear in appointments)
Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie)
A restrictive lingual frenulum that may limit tongue mobility. “Symptomatic” tongue-tie refers to restriction linked to breastfeeding difficulty that doesn’t improve with lactation support. (publications.aap.org)
Frenotomy
A procedure that releases a frenulum (commonly the lingual frenulum) when clinically appropriate. (publications.aap.org)
Milk transfer
How effectively a baby moves milk from breast to mouth and swallows during a feed—impacts weight gain, supply, and caregiver comfort.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT)
Therapy that addresses oral and facial muscle patterns (tongue posture, lip seal, swallowing, breathing habits) that can affect feeding, sleep, and facial development.