Being a mom is one of the hardest jobs in the world. Not only are you responsible for taking care of your children, but you also have to juggle work, housework, and everything else that life throws your way.
Maybe you’re wondering if your baby has a ‘tongue-tie’, or perhaps have been told they do and now you’re wondering whether you should get it released.
That is why I created the Tips For TOTs Guide just for you because I know that tongue- and lip-ties are on your mind, and you’re wondering if your baby has a tongue-tie, and how you can best help your baby and maybe yourself, too! (you may be having pain, bleeding, or cracked nipples..I can imagine how painful it is!)
So let’s take a look at what tongue-ties are and how to figure out if your baby has a tongue-tie.
Tongue-Tie
Tongue-tie limits the tongue’s ability to use. It occurs when the frenulum fails to separate from the tongue before birth and when the frenulums are short and/or thick and limit movement of the tongue, lips, or cheeks. It may not cause any problems even when your child gets older. Between 4% to 10% of newborns are diagnosed with tongue ties.
Why do so many babies have tongue-ties?
Tongue tie is common, affecting nearly 5 percent of all newborns. There are a few possible reasons why your baby has a tongue-tie. It could be that the frenulum is too short, too tight, or too thick and is causing an issue or issues with the function of the tongue.
How do you check if your child has a tongue-tie?
One indicator that your baby has a tongue tie is when there’s difficulty lifting the tongue to the upper teeth or moving the tongue from side to side. It should also be confirmed through a physical exam with a professional trained in tongue-ties getting their finger(s) into your baby’s mouth and actually feeling (not just seeing) what the tongue is doing and how the tongue is moving.
Is Lip-tie the same as Tongue-tie?
If a tongue tie is a condition that limits the use of the tongue, lip-tie is a condition where the upper lip (usually – but lower lip can also be impacted) cannot be curled or moved normally. Some babies are born with lip ties but do not experience any problems while growing up. If you notice that your baby has a lip tie, you might need to forward with the treatment.
Tongue-tie can be overcome with patience and guidance from professionals. I want to support you in any way that I am able! Don’t be afraid to ask for help from professionals. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of help to get back on track.
So, if you have questions about tongue-ties, lip ties, or cheek ties – often all referred to as Tethered Oral Tissues, or you would like to support your child’s tongue function to better support feeding, speech, sleep, and more, the Tips For TOTs mini course might be just the thing for you. This course will also help you support your child before and after a release, both in getting ready for the procedure itself, but also teaching you various oral motor exercises and other whole body exercises you can do at home to support your baby.
You have questions and this mini course has answers!
Grab the Tips For TOTs Guide mini course HERE!
