Nursing Nuisances: What to Do With the Tongue Tied Baby

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

24 Jun 2007 06:16 AM

If you haven't read it yet, check out yesterday's article on what it means to be a tongue tied baby, and how to identify that this might be the problem. Again, having a tongue tied baby doesn't mean that you can't nurse. However, it is definitely one of those situations under which you will need to consult a certified IBCLC and you will most likely have to have the baby undergo an office procedure. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

In addition to the physical signs of being tongue tied, you may also suspect something is wrong because breastfeeding is not going well. Perhaps the baby is not gaining sufficient weight. Perhaps breastfeeding is painful which almost always indicates a latching problem. Some mothers will hear a clicking sound while nursing. But you know that something is wrong.

The good news is, you don't have to stop breastfeeding. In most babies, the frenulum will stretch as he grows and this will alleviate the problem. You don't have to get the baby's tongue clipped (frenotomy) although if you are having significant pain while breastfeeding or he is not gaining weight and/or experiencing issues from breastfeeding--it is likely that your pediatrician will recommend it. Also, it should be noted that having to 'clip the tongue' after one year of age is a much bigger procedure than doing it before 12 months of age. So again, it is good to deal with the problem early on.

I should note that not all tongue tied babies have trouble nursing. It's not only about the baby's short frenulum, it is also about your breasts. The size, shape, and elasticity of your breast may make it easier or more difficult for your baby to latch properly. With that said, you can breastfeed a tongue tied baby.

You will need to change positions for every feeding (if you are experiencing soreness). This helps release the pressure that is being placed on your breast. Think of it as getting a blister from a certain pair of shoes and then changing shoes.

There are also exercises you can do with your baby to retrain his tongue to suck and move properly in order to breastfeed efficiently. These you will have to get from a IBCLC. They are similar to exercises done for preemies to help them suck properly. Also, encouraging your baby to use a pacifier as appropriate will help strengthen the suck.

In order to know which treatment would be best for your child, see your pediatrician.

Related Articles:

Can We Just Leave Breastfeeding Mothers Alone?

Why You Shouldn't Set a Breastfeeding Goal

Breastfeeding and Bonding

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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Sara Denomme (1063) 26 Jun 2007 09:44 PM

My second had a tied tongue and so do I! It is RIGHT at the tip, whereas mine is about halfway. So while I assumed that since my first was such a great nurser my second would be too, this was not the case due to the frenelum. Day one seemed okay, but by day three and my milk coming in, I was crying due to the pain. I got help from a breastfeeding consultant and the issue was resolved in no time. But it was scary at first, thinking that maybe I would have to break out the breastpump! We have decided not to get it clipped, and our ped has no disagreements with that. We have not had to do any of the stretching exercises, even though her frenelum is at the very tip. She looks like a little snake when she sticks out her tongue! LOL

Valorie Delp (49340) 27 Jun 2007 03:00 AM

Yeah for you! I'm not sure what I would do but after researching this I wonder if my 3rd was tongue tied. She was a norrible nurser!

Sara Denomme (1063) 24 Jul 2007 09:13 AM

Hmmmm, she still would be, correct? I certainly still am, although it may have possibly loosened over the years. Not sure to what degree I was as an infant.

Valorie Delp (49340) 24 Jul 2007 10:19 AM

True. . .but she's 4 and no longer nursing. . .it doesn't affect her speech at all so I suppose I just don't care enough to check! I'll have to check her out to see. ;-)