What is a tongue-tie?

Research suggests that approximately 1 in 10 babies may be born with some membrane under the tongue. But only about half of those babies display significantly reduced tongue function, making breast or bottle feeding difficult.

These babies are likely to benefit from treatment to release the restriction that the membrane is having on the tongue and enable to baby to feed effectively.

Problems which may be due to a tongue-tie:

Mother:

  • Sore/damaged nipples

  • Nipples which look misshapen or blanched after feeds

  • Mastitis

  • Low milk supply

  • Exhaustion from frequent/constant feeding

  • Distress from failing to establish breastfeeding

Baby:

  • Restricted tongue movement

  • Small gape resulting in biting/grinding behaviour

  • Unsettled behaviour during feeds

  • Difficulty staying attached to the breast or bottle

  • Frequent or very long feeds

  • Excessive early weight loss/ poor weight gain/faltering growth

  • Clicking noises and/ or dribbling during feeds

  • Colic, wind, hiccoughs

  • Reflux (vomiting after feeds)

Download the Association of Tongue Tie Practitioners Parent Information Leaflet

Release of tongue-tie procedure

More information

Photos of tongue tied babies

IMG_8876
IMG_3364
IMG_2335
IMG_2293 2
IMG_1991
IMG_1252
IMG_1140
IMG_1012
IMG_0302
IMG_0688
IMG_0301
IMG_0046
IMG_0053

Positioning and attachment support following release of a tongue tie

This short video revisits the advice on how to support your baby to breast feed following the release, by facilitating their instinctive natural feeding behaviours.