Although children of all ages can be affected by a tongue or lip tie, breastfeeding problems are a common symptom for infants and babies. The extra tissue in your baby’s found makes getting a good latch more difficult for them. For this reason, a series of related symptoms can occur. Pediatricians and lactation consultants often catch a tongue tie early on, but it is possible for it to be missed right after birth.

How do you tell if your baby has a tongue tie? Below is a list of common issues related to tongue and lip ties in infants. Many of them are also breastfeeding problems, however your baby can have healthy weight gain and still be affected by a tongue or lip tie. If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, we invite you to take our quick quiz to see if you should schedule a consultation.

Breastfeeding Problems:

  • Poor latch
  • Painful nursing
    • Need for nipple shields
    • Nipple blisters or cracking
    • Frequent plugged ducts
    • Mastitis
  • Decreased milk supply
  • Inability to completely empty breasts without pumping
  • Prolonged nursing

Symptoms in Baby or Infant:

  • Slow or poor weight gain
  • Spits up often
  • Problems sucking on pacifiers
  • Clicks or smacks mouth while eating
  • Is gassy or fussy often
  • Drips or dribbles milk out of mouth when eating
  • Obvious frustration while nursing from baby

Lip Ties

Tongue Ties

Lip Ties Versus Tongue Ties

Your infant can suffer from a lip tie in their upper jaw and/or a tongue tie under their tongue. A lip tie can be seen by gently lifting the upper lip. If there is thick tissue connecting the top lip to the teeth, this is a lip tie. On the other hand, a tongue tie is often referred to as “hidden” because it is under the tongue. A tongue tie can be seen by carefully lifting up the infant’s tongue. If there is a thick tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, this is a tongue tie. Both conditions often cause breastfeeding problems.

We Can Help!

Mamas, if you are suffering from any of the above breastfeeding problems or if you think your baby has a lip or tongue tie we have good news. A quick and simple procedure usually does the trick to better eating, sleeping and speaking. Many mothers who have babies with a corrected tongue or lip tie experience fast relief and can immediately tell a difference in their baby’s latch.Why wait? Give Arkansas Tongue & Lip Tie Center a call today to set up a consultation!