Updated with the latest guidelines from the AAP.
Is your baby having problems latching on during breastfeeding?
Is it painful when you breastfeed?
Pediatricians don’t always check for it, and it’s not always easy to notice.
Here’s some information to help you sort through the facts.
What is tongue-tie?
Tongue-tie is largely genetic.
This can cause babies not to have enough tongue mobility and may make breastfeeding harder.
What are the symptoms of tongue-tie in babies?
Tongue-tie related symptoms may include:
These tongue-tie-related problems may result in a mom deciding to forego breastfeeding.
If you’re experiencing any of these systems, talk with alactation consultantand your pediatrician.
Are there different types of tongue-tie?
The closer the frenulum is to the front of the tongue, the more severe the tongue-tie.
How does tongue-tie affect breastfeeding?
(Of course, there are plenty of mildly tongue-tied babies who don’t have any trouble.)
What else can happen?
Combined, these effects can prevent a baby from getting the milk she needs from the breast.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to a lactation consultant or your baby’s pediatrician for help.
What is the treatment for tongue-tie?
You’ve heard the phrase “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”
General anesthesia is not required, and many babies latch immediately after, while others take a little longer.
“Tongue-tie clipping” has been the subject of debate for several years.
Ask about before and after care if the procedure is recommended.
How can you continue breastfeeding if your baby has tongue-tie?
