Tongue and Lip Ties: An IBCLC’s Perspective on Feeding

In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha interview Naiomi Catron of Milk Diva about lip ties, tongue ties, and how they relate to feeding. They discuss the lack of a clear definition for tongue ties and the subjective nature of diagnosing them. Naiomi explains that a tie is a piece of tissue that restricts range of motion and can cause functional deficits. She emphasizes the importance of assessing tongue function and collaborating with other healthcare providers to improve outcomes. Naiomi also addresses the misconception that all babies with ties have breastfeeding issues and highlights the need for non-surgical interventions before considering a release. She discusses the different grades and severities of ties and the importance of post-op care. Naiomi concludes by emphasizing the importance of individualized recommendations based on the baby's specific situation and the parent's goals.

Learn More About Tongue Ties and Collaborative Care 

How to unlatch properly \
Does Clicking = tongue tie?
More with Dr. Poplin Ep 31 on the Boob Business Podcast
More about Tongue Ties with Autumn Henning MS, CCC-SLP, COM, IBCLC

Takeaways

• There is no agreed-upon definition for tongue ties and diagnosing them is subjective.
• Tongue ties are pieces of tissue that restrict range of motion and can cause functional deficits.
• Assessing tongue function and collaborating with other healthcare providers is crucial for improving outcomes.
• Not all babies with ties have breastfeeding issues, and non-surgical interventions should be tried before considering a release.
• The severity of a tie and the baby's specific situation should be considered when making recommendations.
• Post-op care is important for successful outcomes after a release.

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Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!