Frenulotomy, Reflux & More: Decoding Infant Feeding Terms with an IBCLC

Welcome! As a midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I see firsthand how overwhelming the early weeks of parenting can be – especially when feeding isn’t going smoothly.
​When you’re operating on broken sleep, the medical jargon thrown around by health visitors, doctors, and well-meaning friends can feel like a whole new language. Terms like posterior ties, silent reflux, or triple feeding often sound more alarming than helpful.
​I’ve put together this straightforward UK guide to strip away the jargon. Whether you’re trying to make sense of a recent assessment or just wanting to understand your baby’s feeding habits, here is a simple breakdown of the most common terms you’ll encounter.

Tongue Tie Terms Explained

​Tongue & Oral Ties

​An oral tie occurs when a piece of skin tissue (a frenulum) under the tongue, lip, or cheek is unusually tight, short, or thick, restricting natural movement.

​Anterior Tongue Tie

A visible band of tissue attached near the tip or front half of the underside of the tongue. It often creates a heart-shaped appearance at the tip when baby lifts their tongue.

​Posterior Tongue Tie

A tie located deeper beneath the surface tissue towards the back of the tongue. It is less visually obvious but can significantly restrict the upward elevation needed for an effective latch.

​Submucosal Tongue Tie

A specific variation of a posterior tie where the restrictive tissue lies hidden completely under the mucous membrane layer, requiring a trained physical assessment to detect.

​Lip Tie

A tight band connecting the upper lip to the upper gum. While common, a lip tie is usually evaluated alongside tongue movement to see if it restricts the upper lip from flanging comfortably while feeding.

​Buccal Ties

Tighter folds of tissue connecting the inside of the cheeks to the gums. True restrictive buccal ties are very rare and require careful assessment to differentiate from normal oral anatomy.

​Bubble Palate

A high, narrow, arched roof of the mouth with a small dip or “bubble” shape. This often happens when a restricted tongue hasn’t been able to rest flat against the roof of the mouth during fetal development.

​Procedures: Releases Explained

​Frenulotomy

The formal medical term used in the UK for a simple tongue-tie release. It involves gently snipping the restrictive membrane using sterile blunt-ended scissors to allow full movement.

​Frenectomy

A general term often used interchangeably with frenulotomy, though it technically refers to complete excision or removal of tissue (frequently performed with dental lasers or scalpels in older children or adults).

​Digestion, Symptoms & Feeding Dynamics

​Infant Colic

An umbrella term used to describe prolonged, frequent crying in an otherwise healthy infant for more than three hours a day, three days a week. It is a symptom of underlying discomfort (such as swallowed air during feeding) rather than a diagnosis itself.

​Reflux

The backward flow of stomach contents up into the esophagus and mouth, often causing visible spitting up, gagging, or discomfort after feeds.

​Silent Reflux

Occurs when stomach contents travel up the esophagus but are swallowed back down before reaching the mouth. Parents often notice arching of the back, fussiness during or after feeds, and congestion, without seeing milk spit up.

​Triple Feeding

A temporary feeding plan designed to protect milk supply and ensure baby gets enough milk. It involves:

• ​Breastfeeding baby directly.
• ​Pumping milk.
• ​Feeding the expressed milk (or formula) via bottle or cup.

​If you suspect an oral tie or are struggling with feeding pain, reflux symptoms, or slow weight gain, a full physical and visual feeding assessment can help bring clarity and tailored support to your family.