Can you successfully breastfeed a tongue-tied baby?

Understanding Tongue-Tie and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often heralded as the most natural way to nourish a newborn, yet for some mothers and babies, this seemingly simple act can be fraught with challenges. One such challenge arises when a baby is diagnosed with tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, a condition where the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual. This can restrict the tongue’s movement and impact the baby’s ability to latch effectively during breastfeeding.
The Impact of Tongue-Tie on Breastfeeding
Tongue-tie can lead to several difficulties in breastfeeding. Infants with this condition may struggle to achieve a proper latch, which is crucial for effective feeding. An improper latch can result in the following issues:
– Pain for the Mother: Mothers may experience significant discomfort or pain during breastfeeding due to the baby’s ineffective latch.
– Inadequate Milk Transfer: Babies may not be able to transfer enough milk, leading to poor weight gain or insufficient feeding.
– Frustration for Both: The experience can be frustrating for both mother and baby, potentially leading to early cessation of breastfeeding.
Can You Breastfeed a Tongue-Tied Baby?
The answer is a qualified yes—it is possible to breastfeed a tongue-tied baby, but it may require additional support and strategies. Here are key considerations for mothers facing this situation:
1. Seek Professional Help: Consulting a lactation consultant can be invaluable. These professionals can provide guidance on positioning and latching techniques that may alleviate some difficulties associated with tongue-tie.
2. Try Different Positions: Experimenting with various breastfeeding positions can sometimes help the baby latch better. Positions such as the football hold or side-lying can give better access to the breast.
3. Use Breastfeeding Aids: Nipple shields may assist some mothers in achieving a better latch. However, they should be used under the guidance of a lactation consultant to ensure they do not interfere with the baby’s feeding skills.
4. Consider a Tongue-Tie Release: In some cases, a pediatrician or an ENT specialist may recommend a simple procedure called a frenotomy, which involves snipping the restrictive tissue. This can significantly improve the baby’s ability to latch and feed effectively.
5. Monitor Baby’s Weight: Keeping track of the baby’s weight gain is crucial. If the baby is gaining weight appropriately, it may indicate that breastfeeding is successful despite the tongue-tie.
Emotional and Psychological Considerations
Breastfeeding is not just a physical act; it carries emotional weight for many mothers. The challenges posed by tongue-tie can lead to feelings of inadequacy or frustration. It’s essential for mothers to engage in self-care and seek support from family and friends, or join support groups where they can share experiences and strategies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while breastfeeding a tongue-tied baby can present unique challenges, it is certainly manageable with the right support and information. Mothers should feel empowered to seek help, explore their options, and remember that every breastfeeding journey is unique. With patience and perseverance, many mothers successfully navigate the complexities of breastfeeding a tongue-tied baby, ensuring both maternal and infant well-being.

Is it worth getting a tongue-tie cut?

Treatment for tongue-tie
Treatment is not usually needed if tongue-tie is not causing any problems. If it’s causing problems, such as difficulty feeding in babies, treatment may include: breastfeeding or bottle-feeding advice from a trained health professional.

When is it too late to fix a tongue-tie?

It’s usually never too late to get tongue-tie surgery. However, the sooner tongue-tie is corrected, the fewer possible side effects this condition will likely cause you.

How long does it take for a latch to improve after a tongue-tie?

In some cases, division of tongue-tie is all that is needed to improve feeding. in most cases it is not an instant fix and ongoing help and support is required, especially in the first 2-3 weeks. Full improvement in feeding can take 2-4 weeks and sometimes longer.

Can you still breastfeed with a tongue-tie?

Some babies with tongue-tie have no problems at all. They may still be able to latch on and feed well, so not every case of tongue-tie needs treatment.

Can lactation consultant fix tongue-tie?

The lingual frenulum may loosen over time, resolving tongue-tie. In other cases, tongue-tie persists without causing problems. In some cases, consultation with a lactation consultant can assist with breastfeeding, and speech therapy with a speech-language pathologist may help improve speech sounds.

What age is best for tongue tie release?

Most babies have a tongue tie release before they are 2 months old. If your pēpi is older, or has a more complicated tongue tie, they may need to be treated under general anaesthetic by a surgeon.

How do you get a good latch with a tongue-tied baby?

A deeper latch
If your baby retracts (pulls back) his tongue when he opens his mouth, try sliding his chin a little further from the nipple so he can feel the ‘fatter’ part of the breast with his tongue. Denting the breast at the edge of the areola with a finger and placing your baby’s chin in the dent may also help.

What is the age limit for tongue-tie surgery?

This can often make them question the right age for their child to get tongue-tie surgery. According to the specialists at Tongue Tie Phenonix, tongue-tie surgeries do not have an age limit. Your child can get them anytime.

What is the success rate of tongue-tie release?

found improvement (degree 1 or 2 by Kotlow classification) of tongue-tie release in 29% of patients at the first post-surgical evaluation performed at 72 hours and in 96% of patients after post-surgical rehabilitation sessions 1.

Why is tongue-tie so common now?

However, that opinion has drastically shifted in recent years, and more mothers are nursing their babies. As a result, tongue ties are generally identified earlier on as newborns and new mothers try to figure out breastfeeding from day one.