What is a tongue-tie?
"Tongue-tie" is a term used to describe tongue restriction caused by a short or tight lingual frenulum (the membrane and fascial tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth).
Tongue restriction isn't always necessarily a tongue-tie, so we recommend a thorough assessment from an experienced tongue-tie practitioner, lactation consultant and paediatric osteopath.
How can a tongue restriction affect feeding?
For a baby to feed effectively their tongue needs to:
Extend over their lip to draw in the breast tissue or bottle
Move up and down to form a vacuum to effectively remove the milk and control the flow
Cup and spread to sustain a deep and effective latch
If these movements are restricted, then the ability to feed effectively is also likely to be affected. Neck & jaw stiffness after birth can also affect tongue function, so it's important your baby has the right diagnosis.