How Tongue Ties Affect Infant Feeding

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How Tongue Ties Affect Infant Feeding

Feeding during infancy is more than just nourishment—it's a complex dance of muscle coordination, suction, and comfort. One of the most important players in this process? The tongue.

From the very beginning, a baby’s tongue needs to move freely to create the suction required for effective milk extraction from the breast. Specifically, the front to mid part of the tongue helps form a cup shape that draws in and compresses the breast tissue. Meanwhile, the mid-to-back portion of the tongue must be both strong and flexible to generate the negative pressure that pulls milk from the breast.

But what happens when a baby has a tongue tie?

A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when a band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) under the tongue is too tight or restrictive. This limits the tongue’s range of motion and can interfere with the baby’s ability to latch deeply during breastfeeding. When the tongue can’t extend fully over the lower jaw, it becomes harder for the baby to maintain a comfortable, effective latch. This can lead to nipple pain or damage for the nursing parent and result in the baby spending long periods at the breast without actually transferring enough milk.

The challenges aren’t limited to breastfeeding. If suction is compromised, babies may frequently lose their seal on both breast and bottle, causing milk to dribble from the sides of their mouth. They may also swallow excess air, leading to gas, fussiness, and disrupted feeding sessions. Over time, these feeding struggles can impact oral motor coordination and overall feeding efficiency.

If you suspect your baby may have a tongue tie, our team at Flourish Airway Collective is here to help. We specialize in identifying and treating tongue/lip ties to support optimal feeding, breathing, sleeping, and overall development. We work in close collaboration with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), body workers, craniosacral therapists, and other pediatric specialists to ensure your baby thrives.