What is tongue tie?
Tongue tie is where the strip of skin connecting the baby’s tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter than usual. Some babies who have tongue-tie don’t seem bothered by it. In others, it can restrict the tongue's movement, making it harder to breastfeed. It may not become apparent until your baby has feeding problems. The front part of the tongue should be able to extend and cup the breast (or bottle teat) and draw it into the mouth, the back part of the tongue should lift and drop in a rhythmic motion allowing a good suck/swallow/breathe pattern, but when a baby cannot do this well it can impact on their feeding.
A tongue-tie division, known as Frenulotomy – is done by snipping the strip of skin known as the frenulum under the tongue. Blunt ended scissors are used and no anaesthetic. Most babies cry for a few seconds only. Bleeding is minimal and most babies feed straight after the procedure. Aftercare You will be given help afterwards to breastfeed. Most babies will feed with no problems, however some babies may take longer to adjust to their released tongue.
Breastfeeding Support
I specialise in providing compassionate and caring breastfeeding support and advice to women in antenatal, postnatal, and weaning periods in my home clinic in Chapelhall ML6 8QT. I have experience in providing new mothers with emotional and physical support and practical advice to ensure breastfeeding gets off to the best possible start.
Antenatal breastfeeding support
For expectant mothers at risk of breastfeeding difficulties or in need of extra preparation.
- breastfeeding difficulty with a previous baby
- previous breast/nipple surgery
- multiples
- or simply worried about breastfeeding successfully