While some infants with tongue or lip ties manage to breastfeed efficiently, many experience significant nursing challenges. It is important to remember that these symptoms can indicate various breastfeeding issues, not exclusively oral ties.
Common Maternal Symptoms:
- Nipple pain, damage, or cracking.
- Flattened or blanched nipples post-feeding.
- Prolonged nursing sessions.
- Lowered milk supply due to poor stimulation.
- Frequent, inefficient feedings.
Common Infant Symptoms:
- Popping on and off the breast or clicking sounds.
- Lip blisters.
- Milk spilling from the corners of the mouth.
- Poor weight gain or slow growth.
- Excessive gas, reflux, or colic-like behavior.
- Noisy breathing/snoring.
Why Oral Ties Affect Feeding
Tongue mobility is crucial for proper nursing. A tongue-tied infant often cannot create a deep, effective latch, causing them to compress the nipple against their hard palate, which leads to pain and damage for the mother. A tight upper lip (lip tie) can prevent a proper seal, while a high palate often accompanies a tongue tie, reducing suction.
These babies may struggle to maintain a latch, or they may stay attached for long periods without transferring much milk. Some only feed during the initial let-down and stop when the flow slows. While these issues are glaring with breastfeeding, they are often hidden with bottle feeding because the milk drips passively, requiring less muscle effort.
Solutions and Support
The frustration of breastfeeding failure often leads to early weaning, with mothers feeling it is their fault. However, these issues are often caused by physical restrictions, not a lack of effort.
Specialized pediatric dentists can diagnose and treat tongue and lip ties. At Grow Well Kids, our team provides expert diagnosis and performs gentle, fast laser surgeries—known as frenectomies—to correct these restrictions. Schedule a consultation at one of our three California locations in San Diego/Mira Mesa, Carlsbad, or Rancho Santa Fe today to find relief for your little one.
