Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and nourishing acts a mother and baby can share—but that doesn’t mean it always comes easy. For many families, breastfeeding challenges can arise quickly and unexpectedly, despite careful planning, strong determination, and plenty of support.
One of the most commonly overlooked causes of these struggles is something most parents have never heard of: oral function.
At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we work with countless mothers who come to us exhausted, frustrated, and wondering why breastfeeding feels harder than it should. If this sounds like your experience, you’re not alone—and understanding your baby’s oral function might be the key to turning things around.
What Is Oral Function and Why Does It Matter?
Oral function refers to how the structures in your baby’s mouth—like the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw—work together to perform tasks like sucking, swallowing, and breathing. When these structures are not working in sync or are restricted in their movement, it can interfere with effective breastfeeding.
Many of these challenges are not easily visible to the untrained eye. That’s why a baby can appear to be “latching” but still struggle to transfer milk efficiently or cause pain to the mother during nursing.
Signs of Oral Dysfunction in Breastfeeding Babies
If you’re wondering whether your baby might be experiencing oral function challenges, here are some common signs:
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Clicking sounds while nursing
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Poor latch or frequent slipping off the breast
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Shallow or painful latch
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Long nursing sessions with little satisfaction
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Fussiness or gassiness after feeds
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Coughing, choking, or gulping during feeds
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Excessive drooling
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Gumming or chewing the nipple
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Slow weight gain despite frequent feeds
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Frequent clogged ducts or mastitis for mom
Even one or two of these symptoms can indicate a bigger issue that’s worth evaluating—especially if you feel like you’ve tried everything but are still struggling.
Why These Issues Are Often Missed
Many families we work with share a common story:
“Our pediatrician said everything looks fine.”
“We were told to just keep trying.”
“My baby had their tongue tie clipped—but it didn’t help much.”
Here’s the reality: while tongue and lip ties are one possible contributor to oral dysfunction, they are only part of the picture. True resolution requires a functional approach—one that looks not just at structure but how the muscles and nerves in your baby’s mouth are working together to feed.
Unfortunately, this level of detail is often missed in standard evaluations unless the provider has specialized training in oral motor function and infant feeding.
How the Center for Orofacial Myology Can Help
At CFOM, our collaborative approach sets us apart. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive infant feeding program led by our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Katrina Gallafent, in partnership with our expert team of orofacial myologists and bodyworkers.
We assess both the mechanics of feeding and the functional movement of your baby’s oral structures. This includes:
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Functional assessments of tongue, jaw, and lip movement
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Pre- and post-release support for tongue or lip ties
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Collaborative care with physical therapists and craniosacral therapists
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Custom feeding plans designed to improve oral coordination and milk transfer
Our goal is to help you understand the “why” behind the feeding struggles—and give you the support, answers, and care you need to move forward with confidence.
You Deserve Answers—and Support
If you’re struggling with nursing and feel like something just isn’t right, trust your instincts. Breastfeeding should not be a painful or discouraging experience—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Schedule a free consultation with our IBCLC, Katrina Gallafent, to explore how oral function may be impacting your baby’s feeding—and how we can help you both thrive.
Click here to book your free lactation consultation today:
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