10/13/2026
On Mondays we see babies with suspected tongue/lip ties that are impacting latching to breast or bottle. This is a photo from today. They had no ability to elevate, lateralize or extend the tongue in order to get a deep latch.
We have a multidisciplinary approach with a lactation consultant and infant bodyworker (massage therapist trained in craniosacral therapy) and Dentist (me!). Our goal is to be thorough and not over or under diagnose. If a release is needed, we can do it same day with the LightScalpel laser.
1) The Lactation Consultant gets full feeding and medical history and observes feeding,
2) The Bodyworker treats the baby to alleviate head/neck tension that often affects infant feeding, and is often seen with babies struggling to latch,
3) and I test range of motion and reflexes
….and then we discuss how to fix the issue. Sometimes the answer is simple and it’s just a tongue tie release. Sometimes we have to discuss Parent‘s anatomy and supply issues. Sometimes it’s not a tongue tie. Sometimes we see signs the baby might have a problem with the introduction of solid foods or with speech. Sometimes there is a G.I. problem that is causing the baby to have a weak latch. We note it all!
Infant feeding issues can be simple and they can be really complex. It is helpful to have all of our eyes on the situation at once and evaluate it in the most thorough way possible.
At the end of the day, all of us are pretty crunchy moms. We like to find the underlying reasons for medical issues. We completely empathize with how difficult it is to navigate these types of issues. We are here for you every step of the way!
👶
