Who would have thought that a tiny piece of attached skin could cause so many issues for babies. However, there is still quite a lot wrong information out there about tongue ties and a lot of bad advice being given to mothers leading to confusion.

It’s not only about how a baby or toddler is feeding. Tongue ties can also affect a child’s sleep, cause huge discomfort from wind, cause speech difficulties, lead to sinus development, and play a part in preventing a natural release of endorphins etc etc.

It seems that most parents are aware that tongue and lip ties can cause issues with breastfeeding including:

– having a poor latch

– causing reflux

– causing excess wind due to gulping, making settling and sleeping difficult, especially at night

– clicking noises whilst breastfeeding

– causing constant bouts of mastitis for the mother

– bleeding and sore nipples

– poor suction including bad let down

– baby tiring easily

– fussiness and avoidance to feed

– not enough weight gain

– very feeds where they still don’t seem to be full…(excessive cluster feeding)

But, that’s not wear it ends feeding is not the only issue caused by tongue ties.

As a result of the tongue being unable to effectively reach the roof of the mouth when tied, it doesn’t  release natural endorphins that come from a tongue resting on the palate. As a result, babies can be hard to settle or always want something to suck. Being unable to get your tongue into its natural position also affects airway development; they stay narrow and that’s when you start seeing sleep issues such as:

– snoring

– sleep apnea

– grinding of the teeth

– night wakings

– difficulty in settling without a dummy or something to suck

– mouth breathing instead of nose breathing

– increase in risk of SIDS

There are two different methods to deal with a tongue/lip/cheek tie. Some GPs, Paediatricians and midwifes will cut them with surgical scissors depending on the grade. Having surgery under anaesthesia is also an option but isn’t usually done until after 6 months. Another option is having it done with a water laser. This procedure takes less than a minute and there will be minimal bleeding or bruising.

If you suspect a tie and recognise some of the symptoms contact a Lactation Consultant, experienced midwife, dentist or other health professional. Disappointingly, sometimes it can take seeing a couple of health professionals to actually get a diagnosis because not everyone believes ties have any effect or that the effects stretch beyond weight gain.

For more information on babies and toddlers head to www.sleepystarz.com.