Why do tongue-ties and lip-ties cause problems with breastfeeding?
Many question what causes tongue or lip ties in babies. These are conditions caused due to a tissue that is abnormally connected.
Rather than allowing free movement of the tongue or lip, the condition restricts it, affecting the child’s ability to breastfeed. However, tongue and lip ties in newborns affect more than just the infant. Mothers are as affected by the condition due to the lack of latching and emptying of the breasts.
With the lip being attached to the gum or the tongue unable to extend outward under the nipple, the baby is unable to properly latch, breaking the infant’s seal on the nipple while feeding.
In order to identify tongue-ties or lip-ties, it is essential to know the different types of tongue-ties affecting children.
While a lip-tie is the lip being connected to the gum, a tongue-tie can be either anterior or posterior.
Anterior tongue-ties: Anterior tongue-ties are tongue-ties right in the front near the tip of the child’s tongue.
Posterior tongue-ties: Posterior tongue-ties are more often hidden with the tongue being attached to the floor of the mouth right in the back. These are difficult to see and identify but are less common than anterior tongue-ties.
Signs that point to a lip-tie or tongue-tie in an infant
- Lack of latching
- Issues such as vomiting, colic, gas, etc. in the infant
- Chewing when latched
- Inability to hold the pacifier
- Sleep apneoa
- Chronic crying
- Clicking of smacking sounds while latched
- Failure to gain weight
Mothers also often show symptoms when their baby has a tongue or lip tie and feeding difficulties. Some of the symptoms include:
- Engorged breasts due to them being full even after a feed
- Premature weaning
- Exhaustion
- Pain upon latching
- Flattened nipples
- Mastitis
- Nipple bleeds
- Nipple infection
Treating Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties in Children
Practitioners recommend surgical means as the quickest method for tongue-ties or lip-ties treatment. The procedure is carried out using a laser and is both minimally invasive and without much risk of complications. The baby is placed in a swaddle to control their movements during the procedure with safety glasses placed on them. The entire procedure required less than 10 minutes after which you can give them a feed.
It is common for the baby to feel fussy the first evening after the procedure. You will be given a list of things to keep in mind once the procedure is done in order to make the circumstances easier for both you and your child.
For parents who have identified a lip-tie or tongue-tie in their child, it is best to visit a clinic nearest you that offers treatment to children and new mothers.
