Breastfeeding is meant to be a natural, bonding experience between parent and baby—but for many families, it becomes a stressful, painful, and frustrating journey. Often, the cause is something rarely discussed at routine checkups: tongue and lip ties.
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and lip-tie are oral restrictions that can severely impact an infant’s ability to latch, feed effectively, and gain weight. Left unaddressed, these challenges can lead to early weaning, supply issues, and emotional exhaustion for new parents.
In this article, we’ll explore how these ties affect breastfeeding, how to identify signs early, and what you can do to find relief.
A tongue-tie happens when the tissue (lingual frenulum) connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight or short, limiting tongue mobility. A lip-tie occurs when the tissue (labial frenulum) attaching the upper lip to the gum is similarly tight or restrictive.
Both ties can exist independently or together—and they’re more common than many realize.
Efficient breastfeeding depends on proper latch and suction. When tongue or lip movement is limited, the baby may struggle to draw milk or maintain suction throughout a feeding.
On the mother’s side, these ties often result in:
When breastfeeding is painful or ineffective, it can take a toll beyond the physical.
Many mothers feel guilt, shame, or like they’re failing. They might hear conflicting advice from providers, friends, or family—everything from “just tough it out” to “your baby will grow out of it.”
But the truth is: breastfeeding pain is not normal. Struggling to feed your baby is not your fault—and there are solutions.
Too often, parents are told:
These myths keep families from getting real help. Many babies with tongue and lip ties are labeled as “colicky” or “difficult,” when in reality, they’re struggling to eat.
If you suspect a tie may be affecting your baby’s feeding, here are signs to look out for:
At Colorado Tongue Tie, we don't rely on visual appearance alone. A baby can have a “posterior” tongue-tie that’s not easily seen, but still severely limits movement.
That’s why we use functional assessments to evaluate:
Treating ties isn’t just about a quick fix—it’s about building a supportive care team. We often work with:
Together, this team approach helps guide families through every step of the journey.
A laser frenectomy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that releases the tight frenulum tissue.
The procedure typically takes only a few minutes, and most babies can breastfeed immediately afterward.
Success doesn’t stop at the release. It’s important to follow up with:
Some babies need time to adjust to their new range of motion—but many show improvements in latch, feeding efficiency, and comfort within days.
Every baby is different, but most parents report:
One mom shared her experience:
“Before the release, I dreaded every feed. I was in pain, my baby was miserable, and I was losing hope. Within a week after the procedure, our entire rhythm changed. I finally enjoyed nursing.”
When feeding becomes a struggle, it can interrupt that sacred bonding time between parent and child. Addressing tongue and lip ties can help restore not just function, but connection.
You deserve to enjoy your breastfeeding journey. Your baby deserves the comfort of a full belly and an easy latch.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above—either for your baby or yourself—it’s worth having an evaluation by a trained provider.
You don’t need to wait for things to get worse. Early support can make all the difference.
At Colorado Tongue Tie, we specialize in identifying and treating oral restrictions in infants, children, and adults. We understand how overwhelming this journey can feel—and we’re here to walk it with you.
We believe in comprehensive care, compassion, and helping families thrive—starting with something as essential as feeding.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a smoother, more joyful breastfeeding experience.
At Colorado Tongue Tie, our goal is to support the well-being of families by addressing restricted oral tissues (ROTs). We cater to patients across all ages, from infants to adults, with an understanding of the diverse needs at each life stage. Our treatments, utilizing cool laser technology, are designed to be as efficient and comfortable as possible. We're dedicated to providing a caring environment, recognizing that each patient's journey towards better oral health is unique.