Understanding tongue-tie
A very common cause of feeding difficulties is a condition commonly known as tongue- tie. For some babies this makes it difficult to latch effectively during breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
This page contains information to help you understand the condition, the treatment options available, and the positive outcomes many families experience after support and treatment.
Does my baby have a tongue-tie?
Tongue-tie occurs when the small piece of tissue under the baby’s tongue (the lingual frenulum) is shorter or tighter than usual. This can restrict the movement of the tongue.
Anterior tongue-tie
Posterior tongue-tie
Besides the visual indicator, parents often notice feeding behaviours that suggest their baby may be struggling.
Possible signs in babies may include:
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Restricted tongue movement
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Small gape resulting in biting/grinding behaviour
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Unsettled behaviour during feeds
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Difficulty staying attached to the breast or bottle
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Frequent or very long feeds
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Excessive early weight loss/poor weight gain/faltering growth
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Clicking noises and/or dribbling during feeds
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Colic, wind, hiccoughs
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Reflux (vomiting after feeds)
Mothers may also experience:
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Sore/damaged nipples
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Nipples which look misshapen or blanched after feeds
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Mastitis
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Low milk supply
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Exhaustion from frequent/constant feeding
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Distress from failing to establish breastfeeding
If several of these signs are present, it can be helpful to seek a professional assessment.
How is a tongue-tie treated?
A frenulotomy is a quick and simple procedure used to treat the issue to release the tight
tissue under the tongue.
The clinician carefully divides the restrictive tissue, allowing the tongue to move more freely. The procedure itself usually takes only a few seconds.
Many babies are able to feed immediately afterwards, and parents often notice an improvement in the baby's latch and comfort during feeding.
Is it safe?
For the vast majority of babies, a frenulotomy is very safe. It is a procedure that has been performed for many years by trained clinicians.
The area under the tongue contains very few nerve endings, and bleeding is typically minimal. Most babies settle quickly after the procedure, particularly when they are able to feed straight away.
How do I know that the treatment worked?
Many parents report noticeable improvements after treatment. Common improvements include:
• A deeper and more effective latch
• Shorter feeding times
• Less nipple pain for the mother
• More efficient milk transfer
• A calmer and more satisfied baby after feeds
Some babies show improvements immediately, while others may take a few days to adjust to their newly improved tongue movement.
To ensure ongoing support, I include free follow-up email or text for the period of 2 weeks after your consultations.
Other available treatments
To provide the best possible support and help with feeding difficulties, I work closely with cranial osteopaths from Key Osteopaths
Cranial osteopathy helps babies with feeding issues by using gentle techniques to release physical tension in the jaw, neck, and tongue.
By addressing these restrictions, it allows the baby to open their mouth wider and move their tongue more freely for a deeper, more comfortable latch.
It is particularly effective for babies with tongue-tie, as it resolves the "compensatory" tension they often develop in their shoulders and upper body while struggling to feed.
Frequently Asked Questions