Why is the latch worse after a tongue-tie?

Understanding the Impact of Tongue-Tie on Latch
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where a fold of tissue restricts the movement of the tongue, which can significantly affect a baby’s ability to latch during breastfeeding. This restriction can lead to various feeding difficulties, making the breastfeeding experience challenging for both the infant and the mother.
Why Latch Can Worsen After Tongue-Tie Release
After a tongue-tie release, many parents report that their baby’s latch seems to worsen, which can be perplexing and distressing. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors:
1. Adjustment Period: Following the release of a tongue-tie, babies often need time to adjust to their newfound tongue mobility. The initial days post-procedure can be marked by discomfort or confusion as the baby learns to use their tongue differently. This adjustment can lead to a temporary decline in latch quality as the baby may not yet have developed the coordination needed for effective breastfeeding.
2. Pain and Discomfort: The procedure itself can cause some pain or discomfort for the baby, which may lead to increased fussiness or reluctance to latch properly. It’s not uncommon for babies to cry more than usual in the first 24 hours after the release, which can further complicate feeding attempts.
3. Changes in Muscle Memory: Before the release, babies may have developed specific feeding patterns that accommodated their limited tongue movement. After the procedure, they may need to relearn how to latch effectively, which can take time and practice. This transition can result in a worse latch initially as they adapt to using their tongue more freely.
4. Emotional Factors: The emotional toll on both the baby and the mother cannot be overlooked. The stress of the procedure and the subsequent changes in feeding dynamics can create a challenging environment for breastfeeding. Mothers may feel anxious about their baby’s feeding, which can inadvertently affect the baby’s ability to latch.
5. Need for Support and Guidance: Post-release, it is crucial for parents to seek support from lactation consultants or healthcare providers. They can provide guidance on positioning and techniques to help improve the latch as the baby adjusts. Without this support, parents may struggle to navigate the changes effectively.
Conclusion
In summary, while a tongue-tie release can ultimately lead to improved breastfeeding outcomes, the immediate aftermath can present challenges, including a temporary worsening of latch. Understanding these dynamics is essential for parents navigating this transition. With patience, support, and time, many families find that their breastfeeding experience improves significantly as their baby learns to adapt to their new tongue mobility.

Why is my babies latch getting worse?

If your milk is not being removed sufficiently, you may experience engorgement, which makes it harder for your baby to latch on and breastfeed. Gently hand express a little milk before feeding to soften the breast.

Can tongue tie cause painful breastfeeding?

A baby with a tongue tie may be unable to latch deeply onto the breast, leading to possible nipple pain and trauma. When the tongue cannot extend up and over the lower jaw, a baby’s latch may feel uncomfortable.

What are the worst days after tongue tie release?

For most babies, the first 48-72 hours are the hardest after a lip tie or tongue tie procedure. However, after day 3, the discomfort often subsides and feeding becomes easier. Staying on top of pain management is very important.

What does a healed tongue tie release look like?

HEALING. After the release, there will be a diamond-shaped wound under your child’s tongue and/or lip. It takes about 2 weeks for the wound to heal (sometimes a bit longer).

How to teach baby to latch after tongue-tie?

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.

Why is my baby not latching after a frenectomy?

Some babies have difficulty latching right away due to numbness from anesthetic, but this usually wears off within 30-45 minutes. Don’t be alarmed if your baby needs some practice to adjust to a new breastfeeding technique.

Are babies more fussy after tongue tie release?

Increased crankiness/crying/fussiness/sleepiness is very normal. Manage pain round the clock as needed and follow up with lactation consultant and/or Occupational Therapist trained to work with previously tongue-tied babies. White patch still visible. Normal for bleeding to occur during stretching, even into week 2.

Why is my baby’s latch worse after tongue tie release?

Muscle fatigue – After 5-10 days some babies, having improved, deteriorate with latch and feeding. This is due to muscle fatigue and usually resolves with continued feeding.

Do babies sleep better after tongue-tie release?

Often after a frenectomy or tongue-tie release procedure, the patient will notice a deeper quality of sleep and the parents will notice less snoring, less movement, less waking, and better mood in their child.

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

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.