Q: Does my baby have a tongue tie? 

A: Some babies with tongue ties and lip ties will be able to attach to the breast and suck well. For many others, though, there will be breastfeeding problems. The following signs are common amongst infants with tongue and lip ties and their mothers. However, it is important to note that these signs can be linked to other breastfeeding problems and are not solely related to ties. 

• A newborn who has trouble latching on or sucking from the breast; the infant might chew instead of suck (tongue tie poses less of a problem with bottle feeding.)

• Mother in pain while nursing.

• A baby who constantly fusses at while breastfeeding. 

• Poor weight gain and failure to thrive in an infant.

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Q: What is a tongue tie?

A: A tongue tie occurs when the thin membrane under the baby’s tongue, the lingual frenulum, restricts the movement of the tongue. Everyone has this tissue, but for approximately 3-15% of newborns, it is too tight, and they cannot move their tongues freely. This can affect their ability to breastfeed, and can result in poor latch, nipple pain and trauma, decreased milk intake, and a decline in milk supply over time. The medical term for tongue tie is “ankyloglossia,” and studies show that the defect is likely hereditary.

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Q: What is the recommended age? 

A: Within the first couple weeks of life, before molars come in. For the tongue, up to about 12-14 months. For lips, up to about age 2.
 

Q: What pain management is employed during the procedure? 

A: Topical numbing—cotton candy flavored!