Hey mama, if feeding your baby feels harder than you ever imagined—if there’s pain, endless feedings, or a nagging feeling that something is “off,” you’re not alone. Sometimes, the challenge is not your supply, your latch, or even your baby’s hunger. It can be something as small as a tiny band of tissue under their tongue or lip.
What Is Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) happens when the strip of tissue under the tongue, called the frenulum, is too short or tight. This can limit how much the tongue moves, making it harder for your baby to latch deeply and transfer milk effectively.
You might notice:
• Clicking sounds during nursing
• A heart shaped tip when the tongue is lifted
• Limited side to side tongue movement
• Sore, cracked nipples or ongoing breast pain
• Slow weight gain despite frequent feeds
Sometimes tongue ties are mild and cause no problems. But when they are more restrictive, they can create ongoing breastfeeding challenges for both baby and mom.
What About Lip Tie?
A lip tie happens when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is too tight, which can also affect latching and feeding. Many babies with tongue tie also have a lip tie.
What Can Be Done?
If your baby’s latch just is not improving, talk with a trusted provider like a doctor, dentist, or lactation consultant who can assess your baby’s mouth and feeding. If needed, a simple procedure called a frenotomy can release the frenulum using blunt scissors or a laser. This is usually quick, with minimal discomfort or bleeding, and many babies feed better right away.
For older babies, adjusting to new tongue movement can take a little time. A lactation consultant can guide you through gentle exercises to help retrain their feeding skills.
Why Acting Early Helps
Frenotomies are often easier for younger babies because the frenulum has less blood and nerve supply early on. That said, if you choose not to have the procedure, you may need to pump to maintain your supply while ensuring your baby gets enough milk.
Support & Resources We Trust
Here at The Utah Birth Place, we want you to feel supported every step of the way. That’s why we work closely with The Lactation Collection, a team of experienced IBCLCs who can help you recognize the signs of tongue and lip tie early on, guide you through feeding challenges, and connect you to resources that meet your needs.
If treatment is needed, we recommend the Utah Breastfeeding & Tongue Tie Clinic for their specialized assessments, gentle frenotomy procedures, and excellent follow up care.
Mama, You Are Doing Great
Navigating tongue or lip tie can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already running on little sleep and lots of love. But with the right support, you can find relief and get feeding back on track. You are not failing, and you are definitely not alone in this journey.
If you suspect your baby may have a tongue or lip tie, reach out to The Lactation Collection or the Utah Breastfeeding & Tongue Tie Clinic. Early support can make all the difference for both you and your baby.
