If your baby is diagnosed with tongue-tie, it can be a challenging and frustrating time for you. Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the frenulum (the tissue underneath the tongue) restricts the baby’s tongue movement. This can cause difficulty with feeding, speaking, and swallowing. The good news is that there are various ways to help infants with tongue-tie. In this blog post, we will explore 5 common methods so that you can make an informed decision.
1: Stretching Exercises:
One of the most common ways to help infants with tongue-tie is to do regular stretching exercises. This can involve gently pulling the tongue forward or to the sides to help loosen the frenulum. You can either do this yourself or get help from a pediatrician or lactation consultant. It’s essential to do this regularly to prevent the frenulum from re-attaching.
2: Feeding Techniques
Feeding a baby with tongue-tie can be a challenge for both the baby and mother. But, there are ways to make it easier. Try different positions like the football hold or laid-back nursing to give the baby more control over their tongue movement. You can also use a nipple shield to help the baby latch on better. It’s essential to monitor your baby’s weight gain to ensure they are getting the right amount of nutrition.
3: Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is an alternative therapy that can be useful for tongue-tied infants. It involves gentle movements and pressure on the baby’s skull and spine to help alleviate any tensions or restrictions that may be contributing to tongue-tie. It’s important to note that this therapy should only be done by a trained professional.
4: Frenectomy
If the tongue-tie is causing severe problems like difficulty with feeding or speech, your pediatrician may recommend a frenectomy. This is a surgical procedure where the frenulum is cut to release the tongue. It’s a relatively simple procedure that can be done in the office with local anesthesia. The baby may need pain relief medication after the surgery.
5: Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can also be beneficial for tongue-tied infants. A trained chiropractor can help to alleviate any tension in the baby’s neck, back, or jaw that may be contributing to difficulties with tongue movement. They use gentle, non-invasive techniques that can help to improve the baby’s overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
Tongue-tie can be a challenging condition for babies and parents. However, with the right help, it’s possible to manage it effectively. The methods we’ve discussed in this blog post are just a few of the many ways to help infants with tongue-tie. It’s essential to work with your pediatrician, lactation consultant, or other healthcare professionals to find the right approach for your baby. With patience and perseverance, you can help your baby to thrive despite their condition.