How do you get a better latch with a lip-tie?

Understanding Lip-Ties and Their Impact on Breastfeeding
A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is unusually tight or short, restricting the lip’s movement. This condition can significantly affect a baby’s ability to latch properly during breastfeeding, leading to discomfort for both the mother and the infant. While lip ties are often visible, their implications for breastfeeding can vary widely, from minor issues to significant challenges.
The Importance of a Good Latch
Achieving a good latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding. A proper latch ensures that the baby can extract milk efficiently while minimizing pain for the mother. When a baby has a lip tie, the restricted movement of the upper lip can prevent them from achieving a deep latch, which is essential for effective feeding. This can lead to inadequate milk transfer, resulting in frustration for both the baby and the mother.
Strategies for Improving Latch with a Lip Tie
1. Positioning: The way a mother holds her baby can greatly influence the latch. Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions—such as the football hold, side-lying position, or cradle hold—can help the baby latch more effectively. Ensuring that the baby’s body is aligned with the mother’s breast can also facilitate a better latch.
2. Breast Compression: Gently compressing the breast while the baby is latched can help increase milk flow, making it easier for the baby to feed. This technique can be particularly useful if the baby is struggling to latch deeply due to a lip tie.
3. Nipple Shields: In some cases, using a nipple shield can assist in achieving a better latch. This device can help the baby latch more effectively by providing a larger surface area to grasp, which may compensate for the limited movement caused by the lip tie.
4. Consulting a Lactation Consultant: Seeking help from a lactation consultant can provide personalized strategies and support. These professionals can assess the latch and offer tailored advice, including exercises to encourage better lip movement and latch techniques that accommodate the lip tie.
5. Consider Professional Evaluation: If breastfeeding challenges persist, it may be beneficial to consult a pediatrician or a specialist in oral ties. They can evaluate the severity of the lip tie and discuss potential treatment options, which may include a simple procedure to release the tie if necessary.
Conclusion
Navigating breastfeeding with a lip tie can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, many mothers and babies can find a way to achieve a better latch. Understanding the condition and exploring various techniques can make a significant difference in the breastfeeding experience, ensuring that both mother and baby can enjoy this vital bonding time.

How long after lip tie release does feeding improve?

Average breastmilk intake improved 155% from 3.0 (2.9) to 4.9 (4.5) mL/min (P < . 001). Conclusions: Surgical release of tongue-tie/lip-tie results in significant improvement in breastfeeding outcomes. Improvements occur early (1 week postoperatively) and continue to improve through 1 month postoperatively.

Can a lip tie cause latching issues?

While the tongue draws in the nipple, the lips latch around it, allowing the baby to effectively suckle from the breast. If a tongue tie is limiting the movements of the tongue or a lip tie is making it difficult to form a proper seal, your baby may not be able to breastfeed effectively.

What happens if you don’t fix a lip tie?

Children who have untreated lip ties may experience speech and dental problems. Upper lip limitation can impact speech development and articulation. It can also cause tooth misalignment and spacing in youngsters, necessitating orthodontic treatment later in life.

How to fix a lip tie naturally?

Lip Tie Stretch
Using your index finger, sweep under babe’s upper lip [ where the lip tie is ]. You can then use both hands to help fold babe’s upper lip upwards. Try to stretch the lip towards the nose [ this is shown at 1:10 ].

What is the best position for breastfeeding with a lip tie?

Laid-back is a fantastic breastfeeding position. It lets you relax while your baby is able to attach easily to your breast. This is very important in the early days when you are both getting used to breastfeeding. Laid-back is a great position to try if you are having difficulties with breastfeeding.

How to encourage a deeper latch?

These tips help you get a good latch—and know if you have one.

1. Tickle your baby’s lips with your nipple. This will help baby open their mouth wide.
2. Aim your nipple just above your baby’s top lip. Make sure your baby’s chin isn’t tucked into their chest.
3. Aim your baby’s lower lip away from the base of your nipple.

How to get baby to latch deeper?

With your baby’s head tilted back and chin up, lift him or her to touch your nipple. The nipple should rest just above the baby’s upper lip. Wait for your baby to open very wide, then “scoop” the breast by placing the lower jaw on first. Now tip your baby’s head forward and place the upper jaw well behind your nipple.

How to get deeper latch with lip tie?

you can move their top lip into a neutral position. if their lip is looking tucked under, just pull right here gently while babies latched. and see if that helps. we can pull down on their chin while they’re swallowing. to get them into a deeper latch, or can do a gentle fish hook, break the latch and start over.

What age is best to fix a lip tie at?

A frenectomy is used to correct lip or tongue tie. It is recommended your child has the simple procedure before the age of 12 months to prevent the need for anesthesia or sedation; however, it can be performed when they are older as well. The entire treatment generally takes less than one minute to complete.

What happens if you don’t correct lip tie?

Children who have untreated lip ties may experience speech and dental problems. Upper lip limitation can impact speech development and articulation. It can also cause tooth misalignment and spacing in youngsters, necessitating orthodontic treatment later in life.