As a new mom, you may have anticipated the joy of breastfeeding your baby, but what if feeding becomes a struggle instead of the bonding experience you imagined?
For many families, two of the unexpected challenges are tongue and lip ties, conditions that can significantly impact breastfeeding success and feeding.
At our chiropractic practice in Cape Town, we have a special interest in supporting families through feeding challenges, including those related to tongue and lip ties. With over six years of experience working with oral ties, we’ve developed a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal aspects of tongue and lip ties and the essential role chiropractic care plays in the assessment and treatment process before and after tongue and lip tie release.
If you’re facing feeding struggles, you may be wondering how chiropractic care for tongue and lip ties can help.
This blog post will help you understand the condition, its impact, and how gentle chiropractic techniques can support your baby’s recovery and improve feeding outcomes.
What is Tongue and lip Tie?
Tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum—the thin band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too short or tight, restricting tongue movement. This condition can affect your baby’s ability to latch properly during breastfeeding, which often leads to discomfort, poor milk transfer, and frustration for both baby and mom.
The lingual frenulum is a normal structure present in all babies, but when it is too restrictive, it becomes a tongue tie. There are different types of tongue ties, ranging from anterior ties (at the tip of the tongue, where it may look heart-shaped or forked) to submucosal ties (less visible and often located deeper in the mouth). In some cases, the condition may not be visually obvious at all, which is why many parents seek a skilled professional to identify the issue.
A lip tie occurs when the upper lip frenulum (the piece of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums) is too tight or restrictive, limiting the range of motion of the upper lip. This can make it difficult for a baby to properly latch onto the breast, leading to issues like ineffective breastfeeding, nipple pain for the mother, and difficulties with achieving a deep latch. Like tongue ties, lip ties can contribute to feeding difficulties, but they are often less recognized. In some cases, a lip tie may also impact the development of the baby’s oral motor skills, affecting speech and feeding as they grow.
Signs Your Baby May Have a Tongue Tie
Recognizing the signs of a tongue tie is essential for addressing the problem early. Some symptoms include:
- Nipple pain: If you’re experiencing sore, cracked, or blistered nipples, or your nipples are misshapen after feeds, it could be a sign that your baby isn’t latching correctly due to a tongue tie.
- Frequent feeding: Babies with tongue ties often have difficulty feeding effectively, leading to frequent or prolonged feedings.
- Poor weight gain: Babies who struggle to latch or transfer milk efficiently may show signs of slow weight gain or even weight loss.
- Excessive gas or reflux: Due to inefficient feeding and swallowing air, babies with tongue ties often experience colic, wind, or reflux.
If your baby exhibits these signs, it may be time to seek help from a chiropractor with a special interest in paediatrics to assess whether a tongue or lip tie is the cause.
How Chiropractic Care Supports Babies with Tongue Ties?
When it comes to resolving feeding issues caused by tongue and lip ties, chiropractic care can play a pivotal role in improving your baby’s overall musculoskeletal function, both pre- and post-tie release.
Chiropractic care for babies with tongue ties focuses on addressing tension in the cranial and cervical (neck) areas, which are often impacted during the birth process. Birth trauma—such as the use of forceps, a difficult delivery, or even positioning in the womb—can contribute to misalignments or tension in the baby’s head and neck. This can make it harder for the baby to latch properly and use the tongue effectively.
Gentle chiropractic adjustments help release this tension, improving the function of the tongue, jaw, and neck muscles, which can make breastfeeding much easier and more comfortable for both mom and baby. Chiropractic care also supports nerve function, which can help with coordination of the suck, swallow, and breathe reflexes—critical elements for effective breastfeeding.
Why Bodywork Before and After a Release is So Important
While tongue and lip tie releases (a procedure that cuts or alters the frenulum) can offer improvement, it’s crucial to remember that bodywork before and after the release is just as important for a successful recovery and the best outcomes.
Before the release, chiropractors can assess function and diagnose tongue and lip ties. Chiropractic treatment can help address any musculoskeletal tension that may be contributing to feeding difficulties. Babies who are tense or restricted in their neck, jaw, or head may struggle with proper tongue movement even after the frenulum is released. Chiropractic care can improve the range of motion and prepare your baby for the procedure. Our Chiropractors also guide and advise on the most appropriate method of release and giving you specific oral exercises and suck training, as well as showing you the appropriate stretches after the procedure.
After the release, our chiropractors help ensure that your baby’s healing process is smooth, and the release was a success. We assess if baby can properly integrate their newly freed tongue function. Our chiropractic techniques promote optimal alignment, encourage better breastfeeding posture, and alleviate any discomfort or compensatory tension caused by the earlier restriction.
Our Cape Town Practice: Over 6 Years of Expertise and a Trusted Network
We are proud to have over six years of experience working with families in Cape Town who are navigating feeding challenges related to tongue and lip ties. Through our years of practice, we have built a phenomenal network of experts, including lactation consultants, ENT’s, and dentists, who help with tongue and lip tie releases. This collaborative approach ensures that every family gets the comprehensive care and support they need to resolve their feeding issues.
Rise Chiropractic is committed to offering compassionate care for both moms and babies, creating a nurturing environment where we focus on holistic healing. Whether you’re seeking pre-release care or post-release support, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you and your baby enjoy a fulfilling feeding experience.
The Importance of Early Intervention
The earlier a tongue tie is identified and treated, the better the outcome for both mom and baby. Early intervention through chiropractic care can make a significant difference in resolving feeding difficulties, improving your baby’s comfort, and giving you the support you need as a mother.
If you suspect your baby may have a tongue tie, don’t wait. Reach out to us today for a comprehensive assessment and to learn how chiropractic care can help.
Conclusion
Tongue tie is a common yet often overlooked condition that can create significant challenges for new mothers and their babies. At our practice, we are dedicated to providing effective and compassionate care for tongue and lip ties, with a focus on the musculoskeletal aspects of these issues. By addressing the underlying tensions in the neck and jaw and supporting bodywork both before and after a tongue and lip tie release, we can help your baby achieve optimal feeding success.
With over six years of experience in Cape Town and a strong network of specialists, we are here to support you and your baby on your breastfeeding journey. If you’re ready to take the next step in ensuring your baby’s comfort and well-being, contact us today for a consultation.