What is a Newborn Tongue Tie?
On episode 66 of the Learning to Mom Podcast, I chatted with Lisa Paladino, host of the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast. We discussed how to identify and treat tongue tie in newborns. During our chat, she mentioned some possible drawbacks of not fixing a tongue tie.
Interested in this topic?
Be sure to listen to episode 66 of the Learning to Mom Podcast, “Does Your Baby Have a Tongue Tie & What to Do About It with Lisa Paladino | Ep. 66” to learn more!
What causes a Newborn Tongue Tie
Tongue ties are connected to frenum, a type of facial tissue that holds everything together in the mouth.
A tongue tie can happen if the frenulum is:
Too tight
Too short
In the wrong place
Newborn Tongue Tie Symptoms
How can you tell if your baby has a tongue tie? Well, there are a few different ways to identify a tongue tie in newborns.
Noisy breathing
Reflux
Snoring
Breathing with their mouth open
Restriction of body movement
None of these symptoms are normal. Although they may be COMMON, they are not normal. If you notice any of these things, your newborn might have a tongue tie.mirror your baby’s emotions (if they are sad or angry), that provides them with a basis for learning & connection.
Breastfeeding with a Tongue Tie
Depending on the severity of the tongue tie, it may be painful for you to nurse. Which is why many women who have baby’s with tongue ties choose to pump or formula feed.
Having a steady supply of breast milk can be helpful if your baby has a tongue tie because your baby won’t have to work as hard to nurse.
If your baby has surget to fix a tongue tie, you need to breastfeed them immediately after. Doing so will comfort them & regulate their system.
How to Fix a Newborn Tongue Tie
The two main ways to treat tongue tie are:
Laser surgery
Cutting with scissors (by a professional)
You can also work with a chiropractor or a craniosacral therapist to work out the tension in your baby’s mouth and body more holistically.
When considering the scissor option, you should use a person who has had years of experience.
Don’t forget, you can interview whoever you are considering!
Another important thing to know is that tongue ties don’t always need to be fixed.
Depending on the severity of it, you may not need to have a reverse tongue tie procedure.
It’s up to the mother whether or not she wants to fix the tongue tie. If your baby can’t breastfeed, then you may decide that bottle-feeding is just easier.
Tongue Tie Complications
Are there problems if you don’t treat a tongue tie? What happens if I don’t treat the tongue-tie?
Sometimes (in some moderate and severe cases) not treating a tongue tie can lead to long-term problems down the road, such as:
Trouble eating solid foods
Reflux
Gas
Speech delays
Lowering Tongue Tie Symptoms
Although tongue ties aren’t completely preventable, there are ways to reduce the symptoms.
Mouth muscle exercises
Paced-bottle feeding
Breastfeeding
Doing certain exercises, such as lifting up the tongue & the lip a few times a day can help prevent the wound from reattaching after the procedure.
To help with healing, do two weeks of mouth-muscle stretches with your baby.
Untyng the Tie
If you’re worried by your newborn’s tongue tie & just don’t know what to do, there’s things that can help, both for you & your baby!
Want to hear more?
Don’t forget to tune into episode 66 of the Learning to Mom Podcast, “Does Your Baby Have a Tongue Tie & What to Do About It with Lisa Paladino | Ep. 66” to listen!
