From Struggle to Success: A Speech Therapist Mum’s Journey to Overcoming Posterior Tongue Tie for Better Breastfeeding
Hi there! As both a speech therapist and a new mom, I had a firsthand look at the struggles that come with caring for a baby who might have a posterior tongue tie.
Hi there! As both a speech therapist and a new mom, I had a firsthand look at the struggles that come with caring for a baby who might have a posterior tongue tie. What we may imagine to be a smooth and natural breastfeeding experience can sometimes turn into a series of challenges. I love to share my personal journey and insights about how tongue tie impacted my breastfeeding experience, along with some helpful tips from both a mum’s and a professional’s viewpoint.
Posterior tongue tie (3 weeks old)
When my baby was about a week old, I started noticing signs of a posterior tongue tie. Despite my best efforts, getting a good latch during breastfeeding was an ongoing struggle. It was an emotional rollercoaster filled with frustration and doubt. Being a speech therapist added another layer of concern, as I knew how crucial proper tongue function was for both feeding and speech development.
Here’s a peek into the hurdles we faced:
1. Long and Frequent Feeds:
My baby would nurse for 1 -2 hours at the breast and still seemed hungry afterward, leaving me feeling exhausted and unsure if I was meeting his needs. Even after a lengthy online sermon, my little one would still be hungrily sucking away!
2. Frustration and Fatigue:
After about 25 minutes of feeding, my baby would become frustrated and tired, sometimes falling asleep mid-feed. This led us to supplement with pumping and formula to ensure he was getting enough nourishment.
3. Lip Seal and Tongue Mobility Issues:
My baby faced some challenges with breastfeeding, and one of the main issues was his tongue’s limited strength and mobility. He had trouble with tongue cupping and moving milk effectively, with only partial peristalsis (the wave-like motion that helps move milk from the lips to the back of the mouth). He struggled to extend his tongue past his lower gums and touch the roof of his mouth, known as the alveolar ridge.
Additionally, his lingual frenulum—the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth—was less than 1 cm long and lacked elasticity. This made it tough for the little bub to lift his tongue, often only reaching the middle of his mouth. To top it off, he tended to tuck his upper lip inward instead of flanging it out, which further complicated latching and effective breastfeeding.
Facing the challenges of infant tongue tie required a lot of persistence, learning, and support. Here are some strategies that made a difference for us:
1. Professional Evaluation:
Consulting a pediatric dentist Dr. JD Tan confirmed my concerns about the tongue tie and helped us explore treatment options.
2. Frenectomy Procedure:
We decided to go ahead with a frenectomy, a simple procedure that released the tight tissue under my baby’s tongue, when he was a month old. This step was crucial in improving his tongue movement and breastfeeding success.
3. Myofunctional Therapy:
After the procedure, we started myofunctional therapy tongue exercises to prevent the tissue from reattaching.
I also encountered engorgement and ultrasound to break up the lumps with Shirley from Physioedge was effective.
4. Emotional Support:
Having a supportive network of other moms and dads, lactation consultant like Uma from Mother and Child where we learnt finger feeding using a bottle with a nasogastric tube, was incredibly valuable. Their emotional support and advice were a huge help during this journey.
(11 months)
Breastfeeding also plays a crucial role after a tongue tie release as it promotes essential tongue tip elevation and actively stretches the frenulum, which is important for preventing scar tissue reattachment. By encouraging the baby to feed actively, breastfeeding encourages proper healing by ensuring that the diamond-shaped wound remains open and flexible. This reducing the risk of the wound closing prematurely.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. With the right resources and support, you can overcome these obstacles and help your baby!
A Note on Breastfeeding vs. Bottle feeding
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding both provide loving ways to nourish a baby, but they involve different oral motor experiences. Breastfeeding encourages a natural latch and active tongue movement, which helps develop strong oral skills and muscle strength. In contrast, bottle feeding involves a more passive sucking action due to the controlled flow of formula. These differences can influence a baby's oral motor development and feeding habits during the early stages of life.
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Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations. This content contains personal opinions and reflections and should not be considered as an endorsement or a substitute for professional consultation.