Momma’s let us talk breastfeeding! You must be thinking what more is there is to possibly know?  Commencing breastfeeding may not always get off to the best start for some mothers due to various breastfeeding difficulties. One of these challenges may be related to infant’s being born with what is known as a ‘tongue-tie’ – a common congenital (present at birth) anomaly.

A ‘tongue-tie’ causes a restriction in tongue tip mobility due to an abnormally short lingual frenulum (fold of mucus membrane that is located under the center portion of your tongue) and occurs in up to 10 % of infants according to the Canadian Paediatric Society. Although tongue ties that restrict a tongues normal movement may be a cause of difficulty while breastfeeding, not all mothers and babies experience this and are able to feed well from the start.

So how do you know breastfeeding may be affected by a tongue tie?

Your baby may not be able to:

• latch onto the breast deeply, causing nipple pain

• latch onto the breast at all

• get enough milk causing you to breastfeed constantly

• gain enough weight

• stay on the breast causing a clicking noise as they lose suction

Your baby may:

• develop colic

• be fussy at the breast

• develop jaundice

• cough during milk flow

Momma’s you may experience:

• low milk supply

• pain during feeds and after breastfeeding

• engorgement, mastitis, and blocked ducts may also occur due to ineffective milk removal

Feelings of frustration, lack of encouragement, and exhaustion may all lead to breastfeeding mom’s deciding to throw in the towel and end breastfeeding prematurely. It is also important to note that bottle-fed tongue-tied babies also experience difficulties.

There are a few ways that momma’s with tongue-tied babies can try to keep breastfeeding going such as through softening the breast, engaging baby in the biological nurturing breastfeeding position, and assisting/positioning baby with getting a deeper latch to the breast.

In addition to trying positioning techniques, a simple surgical procedure known as a frenotomy can be done to cut the frenulum free. The procedure is quick and only causes the newborn minimal discomfort. If you would like any further resources on tongue-ties or breastfeeding support Please feel free to reach out to me at daisydoulabirthservices@gmail.com for virtual video or telephone/text support.

Hope you have an amazing weekend!

Ciao

Sadhna

#daisydoulablog