THE TRUTH ABOUT TONGUE AND LIP TIES - WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW
As a parent, feeding your baby should be a natural and bonding experience, but for many families, it can quickly become stressful when things don’t go as expected. If your baby struggles with latching, takes a long time to feed, has excessive gas, reflux, or seems fussy and uncomfortable after eating, you may have heard about tongue and lip ties. But what exactly are they, and do they always require a release?
What Are Tongue and Lip Ties?
Tongue and lip ties occur when the thin piece of tissue (frenulum) connecting the tongue or lip to the mouth is too tight or restrictive. This limitation in movement can affect a baby’s ability to latch properly, creating challenges with both breast and bottle feeding. Over time, it can also impact speech, oral development, and even solid feeding.
Signs Your Baby May Have a Tongue or Lip Tie:
Difficulty latching or staying latched during feeds
Clicking sounds while nursing or bottle-feeding
Excessive gassiness, reflux, or colic-like symptoms
Long feeding sessions or falling asleep quickly at the breast/bottle without finishing
Poor weight gain despite frequent feedings
Mom experiencing pain, cracked nipples, or low milk supply
Does Every Baby Need a Release?
Not necessarily! While some babies benefit from a tongue or lip tie release (frenectomy), others may improve significantly with pre-release therapy alone. At Connecting Dots Therapy, we focus on function first—helping babies improve their suck, oral coordination, and overall feeding ability before deciding if a release is necessary.
The Role of Therapy in Feeding Success
Pre-release therapy helps:
Reduce body tension that may be affecting feeding
Improve tongue, lip, and cheek mobility for better latch and suck
Strengthen oral function to support optimal feeding and recovery
Prepare both baby and mom for a smoother release if needed
If you’re wondering whether your baby might have a tongue or lip tie, the best next step is an evaluation with a feeding specialist. At Connecting Dots Therapy, we provide a whole-body approach to infant feeding, ensuring your baby gets the best possible care—whether they need a release or just the right therapy support.
As seen in West Monroe Neighbor's Magazine
