Tongue Tie and Your Baby's Development

Hey Melinated Mommies! Today we're diving into a topic that can impact feeding, speech, and even facial development in our little ones: tongue tie.

What is Tongue Tie?

Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the frenulum, a small piece of tissue under the tongue that connects it to the floor of the mouth, is shorter than usual. This limited range of motion can affect how your baby uses their tongue.

How Does Tongue Tie Affect Feeding?

• Breastfeeding: A good latch is crucial for successful breastfeeding. Tongue tie can make it difficult for your baby to flange their tongue and create a proper seal, leading to:

• Frustration for both you and baby
• Nipple pain and damage
• Poor milk transfer and weight gain issues

• Bottle-feeding: Similar challenges can arise with bottle-feeding. Signs to watch for include:

• Difficulty sucking or staying latched
• Leaking milk
• Gassy or fussy behavior

Beyond Feeding: Speech and Facial Development

The tongue plays a vital role in speech development. Tongue tie may impact a child's ability to make certain sounds, potentially leading to speech delays. Additionally, in severe cases, tongue tie can contribute to the development of a high palate, affecting facial features.

Signs and Symptoms in Newborns:

• Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
• Clicking sounds while feeding
• Short feeding sessions with frequent fussiness
• Poor weight gain
• Tongue that appears heart-shaped when sticking out

Remember, every baby is different. These signs don't necessarily guarantee a tongue tie, but if you have concerns, consult your pediatrician or a lactation consultant for a proper evaluation. They can assess your baby's anatomy and feeding patterns to determine if a tongue tie is present and if a frenotomy (a simple procedure to clip the frenulum) is recommended.

Melinated Mommies Advocating for Our Babies

As moms of color, it's important to be informed advocates for our babies' health. Don't hesitate to voice your concerns and seek additional support from lactation consultants or organizations specializing in breastfeeding difficulties in babies of color.

Here are some resources to get you started:

• La Leche League International: Tongue and Lip Ties - La Leche League International: https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/tongue-lip-ties/
• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: [tongue tie nichd ON National Institutes of Health (.gov) nichd.nih.gov]

Let's continue to support each other on this motherhood journey, Melinated Mommies! Share your experiences and questions about tongue tie in the comments below.