Tongue-Tie in Babies: Myths, Facts, and the Real Impact on Feeding
Setting the Record Straight with Practical Advice for Parents
When it comes to feeding your baby, the advice and opinions you receive can be overwhelming—especially about tongue-tie. Drawing from over ten years’ experience in midwifery and lactation science, I want to address the most common misunderstandings, so you can feel confident and informed.
Myth 1: “They will just grow out of it.”
Fact: While some babies learn to adapt to a restrictive tongue-tie, the underlying tissue itself doesn’t disappear. If the tongue cannot move freely, the baby might continue to face challenges with milk transfer, and later, struggle with solids or speech. Addressing the issue early reduces the risk of ongoing feeding difficulties and helps prevent a “snowball effect” of problems as your child grows.
Myth 2: “If the baby is gaining weight, it isn’t a problem.”
Fact: Weight gain is only one aspect of healthy feeding. Babies can put on weight by working much harder to get their milk, which can lead to painful nipples for the parent and digestive discomfort for the baby, including reflux and wind from swallowing air. It’s essential to look at the quality of feeding, not just the numbers on the scales.
Myth 3: “All tongue-ties look like a ‘heart-shaped’ tongue.”
Fact: Not all tongue-ties are visible. Some are “posterior,” meaning the restriction is tucked under the lining of the tongue and can be just as limiting as a visible tie at the tip. The most important thing is how the tongue functions, not just how it looks. A thorough assessment by a trained lactation professional is much more effective than a quick visual check.
Myth 4: “The procedure is traumatic for the baby.”
Fact: The “snip” (frenulotomy) itself takes only seconds. Most babies are more upset by being held still than by the procedure. In my practice as a midwife, I ensure a “baby-led” approach—your baby is returned to you straight away for skin-to-skin contact and a comfort feed, which helps them settle quickly.
Myth 5: “Breastfeeding is just supposed to hurt at the start.”
Fact: Breastfeeding should not be painful. While a bit of initial “tugging” is normal as you both learn, persistent pain, cracked or bleeding nipples are a sign that something is wrong. A tongue-tie may be the culprit, but other factors could also be at play, so it’s vital to investigate thoroughly.
Expert Tip
If you’ve been told “it looks fine” but feeding still doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Only a specialised functional assessment can give a complete picture of what’s really going on.
Final Thoughts
Feeding challenges are rarely straightforward, and not every issue is caused by tongue-tie. Sometimes, simple adjustments in positioning or managing milk flow can make all the difference. If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to seek support from a certified lactation consultant. Solutions are often easier than you might think, and you deserve a positive, comfortable feeding journey with your baby.