A recent experience of mine, has prompted me to encourage breastfeeding Mums with latch problems, to have their child checked for a tongue tie.

A tongue tie, is when the frenulum (piece of skin under the tongue) restricts the tongue from protruding from the mouth. It can be tight, and require medical assistance, or slight, which is simply a cosmetic issue, and won’t affect the child in breastfeeding, or speech.

Tongue ties can affect breastfeeding, by preventing the suction required to get a decent attachment. Depending on the severity of the tie, it can usually be corrected by compensating for your baby’s position on the breast.

Severe ties can be corrected by a simple operation. If identified at birth, they are often “snipped’ by a doctor.

If your child has been diagnosed with a tongue tie, it’s worth while getting advice from a qualified lactation consultant. Most latch issues can be overcome with positioning, and patience.

Tongue tied babies CAN be breastfed!