Is Your Baby Struggling to Breastfeed? The Signs of Tongue-Tie Parents Should Know
Dr. Calleros with one of her infant patients
Breastfeeding is often described as one of the most natural experiences between a mother and her baby. But for many new parents, the reality can be quite different. Painful nursing sessions, difficulty latching, and concerns about whether your baby is getting enough milk can turn what you imagined would be a peaceful bonding experience into a source of frustration and worry.
While some breastfeeding challenges are part of the learning process, persistent difficulties may signal an underlying issue. One possible cause is a condition known as tongue-tie.
What Is Infant Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the small band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth restricts the tongue's natural movement.
During breastfeeding, a baby's tongue helps create a secure latch, maintain suction, and transfer milk. When movement is restricted, some babies may struggle to feed effectively.
Not every baby with a tongue-tie experiences feeding problems, however, and not every breastfeeding difficulty is caused by tongue-tie. The important question is whether the restriction is affecting your baby's ability to feed comfortably and effectively.
6 Signs Your Baby May Be Struggling With Tongue-Tie
Every baby is different, and the signs of feeding difficulties aren't always obvious. Here are six things to watch for:
1. Difficulty latching or staying latched
Does your baby repeatedly pull away from the breast or struggle to maintain a secure latch? Restricted tongue movement can sometimes make it difficult to maintain the suction needed for effective breastfeeding.2. Clicking sounds during feeding
Frequent clicking sounds may indicate that your baby is repeatedly losing suction. While this can happen for several reasons, it may warrant a closer look at your baby's latch and tongue movement.3. Painful breastfeeding for Mom
Some tenderness can occur when you first begin breastfeeding, but persistent pain, cracked nipples, or nipples that appear flattened after feeding may indicate that your baby's latch needs attention.4. Long or unusually frequent feeding sessions
Does your baby nurse for extended periods but still seem hungry afterward? When milk transfer is inefficient, a baby may spend considerable time at the breast without receiving enough milk.5. Slow weight gain
If your baby is having difficulty transferring milk, weight gain may be slower than expected. Your pediatrician can monitor your baby's growth and help determine whether feeding difficulties or another medical issue may be contributing.6. Your baby seems frustrated during feeding
Some babies become fussy, repeatedly pull away from the breast, or appear unsettled during feeding. Although these behaviors can have many causes, they may be worth discussing with your pediatrician or lactation consultant.None of these signs alone confirms that your baby has a tongue-tie. A comprehensive feeding assessment is the best way to understand what may be happening.
What If Breastfeeding Just Isn't Getting Easier?
Breastfeeding takes practice, but if you've tried adjusting feeding positions, working on your baby's latch, and seeking lactation support without meaningful improvement, it may be time to explore whether an oral restriction is contributing to the problem.
Dr. Sandra Calleros has pursued additional education and hands-on training in infant tongue-tie and airway health. She completed a one-year mini-residency with The Breathe Institute and earned Affiliate status, furthering her training in airway health, tongue-tie assessment and treatment, and related functional concerns.
That training, combined with her clinical experience helping hundreds of families navigate infant tongue-tie concerns, informs how she evaluates each baby. Rather than looking at the frenulum alone, she considers tongue mobility, oral function, feeding challenges, and the overall picture. She also works collaboratively with lactation consultants and other healthcare professionals when appropriate.
Can an Infant Frenectomy Help?
When a tongue-tie is significantly restricting movement and contributing to persistent feeding difficulties, an infant frenectomy may be considered.
A frenectomy releases the restrictive band of tissue beneath the tongue, allowing greater freedom of movement.
For some babies, the procedure may help reduce breastfeeding-related nipple pain. However, improvements in feeding vary, and a frenectomy is not necessary for every baby with a tongue-tie.
Dr. Calleros takes an individualized approach to infant frenectomy, drawing on her one-year mini-residency and Affiliate training with The Breathe Institute as well as her experience working with babies and their families. Her goal is to help parents understand what may be contributing to their baby's feeding difficulties and determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Finding Support for Your Baby at Calleros Dental
At Calleros Dental in El Segundo, Dr. Calleros understands how important those early feeding experiences are for babies and their families.
Her specialized training in airway health, tongue-tie assessment and treatment, and related functional concerns has helped shape her approach to infant tongue-tie care. She takes the time to understand each family's feeding challenges, evaluate the baby's oral function, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals when appropriate.
When a frenectomy is recommended, Dr. Calleros provides treatment in a comfortable, family-friendly environment, with continued support throughout the healing process.
Breastfeeding challenges can feel overwhelming, especially during the early weeks of parenthood. You don't have to navigate them alone.
If you suspect a tongue-tie may be contributing to your baby's feeding difficulties, Dr. Calleros and her team can help you better understand what's happening and explore your options.
Questions? Reach out to us. We are here to help.