TONGUE TIE is one of the causes of early weaning from breastfeeding.

Many times it is undetected at birth and can present later- For example when baby is unable to latch, or mother is having pain when breastfeeding or cracked nipples.

TONGUE TIE is caused by a tight or short LINGUAL FRENULUM (the membrane that anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth).

Because of this, the frenulum may RESTRICT tongue mobility depending on its severity, it can lead to breastfeeding difficulty.

Some babies with a tongue tie breastfeed well from the start, others do so when positioning and attachment are improved. Some will need a simple procedure called Frenotomy for effective breastfeeding.

A baby needs to be able to move his tongue freely and extend it over the lower gum with his mouth open wide to be able to breastfeed well.

Do get your baby assessed by a Paediatrician or a Lactation Consultant if you think that your baby has a tongue tie. Treatment options will be discussed.