FAQ's and Information

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Tongue Tie FAQ'S

1.What is tongue tie? Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the thin tissue (lingual frenulum) that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual. This can restrict the movement of the tongue, potentially causing breastfeeding difficulties or other related issues.

2.How common is tongue tie? Tongue tie affects approximately 3-10% of newborn babies. It is more commonly found in males and may run in families.

3.What are the signs and symptoms of tongue tie in infants? Signs of tongue tie in infants can include difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle, poor weight gain, clicking sounds while feeding, excessive gas or colic, and maternal nipple pain or damage.

4.Can tongue tie affect breastfeeding? Yes, tongue tie can make breastfeeding challenging for both the baby and the mother. It can lead to ineffective milk transfer, reduced milk supply, sore nipples, and prolonged feeding times. Addressing tongue tie through assessment and potential division can improve breastfeeding outcomes.

5.When is it necessary to treat tongue tie? Not all babies with tongue tie require intervention. The decision to treat tongue tie depends on the severity of symptoms and the impact on breastfeeding or overall well-being. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional experienced in tongue tie assessment is recommended.

6.What is a frenulotomy? A frenulotomy is a simple procedure where the lingual frenulum is gently released or divided to improve tongue mobility. This is typically done using sterile scissors. It is a safe and quick procedure that can often be performed without anesthesia.

7.Is frenulotomy painful for the baby? Frenulotomy is generally well-tolerated by infants. Discomfort during the procedure is minimal, and babies usually settle quickly afterward.

8.Where can tongue tie assessment and division be performed? At Zita Maria Limited, we offer tongue tie assessment and division services that can be carried out either at our private clients' homes or at one of our clinics. Our experienced healthcare professionals ensure a safe and comfortable environment for you and your baby.

9.How can I schedule a tongue tie assessment or seek further information? To schedule a tongue tie assessment or to learn more about our services, please contact Zita Maria Limited. Our dedicated team is here to answer your questions, address any concerns, and provide the support you need during your breastfeeding and postnatal journey.

Mothers may experience:

Pain and/or nipple damage resulting from a shallow latch
Prolonged feeds or short and frequent feeds
Blocked ducts/mastitis from incomplete breast drainage
Decreased milk production due to inefficient feeds (and top-ups)
Exhaustion from frequent/constant feeding
Distress from 'failing' to establish breastfeeding

Babies/toddlers may exhibit:

Consistent clicking noise during feeds, indicating a repeated loss of suction
Inefficient, long feeds resulting in exhaustion and frustration
Leaking of milk from sides of mouth from a poor latch
Air intake due to a disrupted seal leading to reflux/colic symptoms and gas pain
Coughing or gagging during feeds from suboptimal coordination patterns
Snoring, mouth breathing and/or wakeful sleep patterns due to low resting tongue posture
Difficulty in chewing/swallowing or managing foods/liquids/saliva

Early treatment of tongue tie can significantly improve breastfeeding outcomes. Breast milk is widely recognised as the healthiest way to nourish your baby, offering a range of benefits including enhanced immune protection and the ability to adapt to your baby's evolving needs. While breastfeeding may be the preferred choice for many new mothers, it can present unexpected difficulties.