LIP & TONGUE TIE - BABIES

Lip and Tongue ties in babies are not uncommon and can affect over 10% or more of newborns. Ties in babies can inhibit proper lip and tongue movement which can affect their ability to nurse successfully. Not all lip and tongue ties in babies lead to issues with feeding, so a proper exam should include a detailed history of symptoms to determine if a release is necessary. Mild lip or tongue ties without symptoms can stretch or lengthen, resolving on their own.

INFANT SYMPTOMS OF LIP TIE & TONGUE TIE

Some of these symptoms include:

  • Difficulty latching or shallow latch during breastfeeding
  • Lip curls under when nursing
  • Sucking bloster or callouses on lips
  • Nose sounds congested often
  • Frequent spitting up or reflux
  • Clicking or smacking noise when feeding
  • Poor weight gain
  • Frustration or irritability when eating
  • Longer feeding sessions
  • Colic / fussiness
  • Gassy
  • Hiccups often
  • Falling asleep at the breast
  • Snoring, noisy breathing, or mouth breathing
  • Pacifier falls out or won’t stay in

Symptoms of breastfeeding mothers of babies with lip and/or tongue ties:

  • Painful latch
  • Decreased milk supply
  • Flattened, creased, or blistered nipples.
  • Mastitis/engorgement/plugged ducts
  • Poor or Incomplete drainage
  • Nipple Thrush
  • Painful sessions leading to early cessation of the breastfeeding dyad.