Tongue-tie support
What is a tongue-tie?
"Tongue-tie" is a term used to describe tongue restriction caused by a short or tight lingual frenulum (the membrane and fascial tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth).
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Tongue restriction isn't always necessarily a tongue-tie, so we recommend a thorough assessment from an experienced tongue-tie practitioner, lactation consultant and paediatric osteopath.
Can a Tongue-tie Affect Breast and Bottle-feeding?
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Yes, a tongue-tie can affect breastfed and bottle-fed babies. For a baby to feed effectively their tongue needs to:
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Extend over their lip to draw in the breast tissue or bottle
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Move up and down to form a vacuum to effectively remove the milk and control the flow
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Cup and spread to sustain a deep and effective latch
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If these movements are restricted, then the ability to feed effectively is also likely to be affected. However, a tongue-tie division isn't always necessary.
Neck & jaw stiffness after birth can also affect tongue function. A paediatric osteopath can help give your baby the correct diagnosis.
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