VIDEO
As any new mother knows, breastfeeding can be a challenge in and of itself. Sometimes, latching and feeding issues are related to infant factors, namely tongue tie and/ or upper lip tie, which the above video explains.
Tongue tie is when the infant’s tongue has limited mobility because the lingual frenulum, or strand of soft tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short or tight. Tongue tie can result in an insufficient latch onto the mother’s breast and difficulty feeding. The infant my produce loud suckling noises and have gas from inhaling air.
A related issue, posterior tongue tie, is when the part of the tongue that restricts mobility is hidden underneath the tongue, but it still results in an insufficient latch and poor sucking motion. If an infant can’t suck properly, he or she is not getting the most out of feeding time and the mother may experience painful nipples and decreased milk production.
Both tongue tie and posterior tongue tie can be remedied with a surgical procedure called tongue tie release, which will allow the infant to breastfeed more efficiently.
Upper lip tie is when an infant’s upper lip cannot move out or flare up enough to allow for the nipple to enter fully into his or her mouth. Similar to tongue tie release, upper lip tie release is a surgical procedure that can easily take care of this issue.
If you are concerned that your infant isn’t getting enough to eat or if you are having trouble breastfeeding, be sure to speak to your pediatrician or lactation specialist.