Feeding and tongue tie



Breastfeeding is perfectly natural but it is also a learned skill, both for babies and for mothers, and in some cases difficulties do occur. Breastfeeding issues can present in a number of ways, such as nipple pain, an unsettled baby and poor feeding (such as fussing, falling asleep at the breast or clicking while feeding).

Tongue tie can be another clinical cause of breastfeeding difficulties in some babies. Tethered oral tissue (‘tongue tie’) restricts adequate tongue movement and therefore prevents efficient sucking.

Good attachment at the breast, a coordinated suck and adequate milk transfer involves the lips, cheeks, tongue, mouth, jaw and more. As osteopaths, we aim to enhance the function of these structures so as to improve a mother and baby’s ability to breastfeed successfully.