What is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie is where the strip of skin connecting the baby's tongue to the floor of the mouth known as the frenulum is shorter/thicker than usual, restricting the movement/function of the tongue which can then have an impact on infant feeding. 

The treatment for tongue tie is a simple procedure called frenulotomy.  Guidance from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) suggests that frenulotomy is a safe procedure for young babies and could help with feeding problems. 

A frenulotomy should be carried out by a qualified practitioner to assist mother and baby to feed more effectively.

Symptoms which may be due to a tongue-tie:

Mother:

Sore damaged nipples

Pain when feeding

Nipples which look misshapen after a feed

Mastitis

Low milk supply

Exhaustion or distress from constant feeding

Baby:

Restricted tongue movement

Small gape causing biting/grinding movement

Unsettled during feeds

Difficulty staying attached to the breast or bottle

Frequent or very long feeds

Weight loss, slow weight gain

Clicking and/or dribbling during feeds

Colic, wind, hiccups, reflux

Tongue Tie Release

Release of a tongue tie, or frenulotomy, is made by snipping the frenulum under the tongue.  

The division is performed using a tongue director to lift the tongue, sterile, single use, straight blunt ended scissors and sterile gloves under direct light. 

The baby will be swaddled in a towel and head held gently to avoid movement.  It takes seconds and causes little discomfort for your baby. 

Babies will cry for a very short period which settles very quickly with feeding. Anaesthetic is not used and bleeding is usually minimal.

Release of tongue-tie can help to improve feeding

It is important that you view the procedure as part of a plan to improve your feeding and that feeding support is fundamental in improving infant feeding. 

It is important to remember that not all babies that have a tongue tie require frenulotomy.  

Following the release, some mothers and babies notice an improvement straight away whilst others can take a little longer.