Tongue Tie and Reflux in Babies: Navigating the Connection
Parenthood is a journey filled with delightful surprises and challenges, and one such challenge that you may encounter is the tandem presence of tongue tie and reflux in baby. It may not be something you realise but tongue tie could be the underlying cause of reflux, and other symptoms too.
Tongue Tie: The Unseen Culprit
Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the strip of skin beneath a baby’s tongue, called the lingual frenulum, is shorter than usual. This restriction in tongue movement can affect a baby’s ability to breastfeed effectively, as well as to latch onto a bottle or dummy. The consequences can be frustrating for both parents and babies, often leading to crying during feeds, difficulty latching, and slow weight gain. You may even think they have a milk aversion, but it may actually just be the discomfort from tongue tie.
Reflux: The Ups and Downs of Digestive Discomfort
Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a symptom of and underlying cause. It occurs when the contents of the baby’s stomach flow back into the oesophagus, causing regurgitation, spitting up, and discomfort. Babies with reflux may display signs of irritability, arching their backs and exhibiting feeding difficulties. You may still be in those first few weeks and are trying to determine whether it is colic or reflux, see this blog HERE for more on that.
The Connection Between Tongue Tie and Reflux:
The presence of tongue tie can be an aggravating factor for reflux symptoms in most babies displaying varying symptoms. When a baby is unable to latch onto the breast or bottle properly due to tongue tie, they may swallow more air during feeds. This extra air can contribute to increased gas, bloating, and, subsequently, more frequent reflux episodes.
Tongue Tie Symptoms:
Difficulty Latching/Feeding
Pushes away from breast/bottle
Visibly see the Tongue Tie
Arching/Pushing back against you
Tension in the body, shaking when crying, fussy, taking in air when crying/feeding
Seeking Solutions for Tongue Tie and Reflux:
If you suspect that your baby may have both tongue tie and reflux, seeking professional guidance is crucial. Addressing tongue tie through a simple surgical procedure called a frenotomy can improve feeding efficiency, reduce reflux symptoms, and offer relief to both the baby and you, as parents. Consulting with a healthcare provider or a specialist in tongue tie can provide a clearer understanding of the best course of action.
A Holistic Approach:
In navigating the journey of tongue tie and reflux, it’s essential to take a holistic approach to your baby’s wellbeing. This includes considering not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and developmental aspects of your baby’s growth. There is also no such thing as a ‘mild’ tongue tie as this can affect development, oral hygiene (we need our tongues to help clean our teeth), and in adulthood…we are now seeing adults getting tongue tie divisions due to oral dysfunction, reflux, tension in and throughout the body and more. Our tongue connects within our whole body.
In the end, every baby is unique, and their experiences with tongue tie and reflux may vary. But by being informed, seeking professional support, and surrounding your baby with love and care, you can navigate this challenging chapter and provide the best possible start for your little one on their journey to a life filled with comfort and happiness. In my Reflux Relief Package I go over tongue tie in depth including preparing for tongue tie division, and what to do after to strengthen oral function and reduce episodes of reflux. Parents who have been privately have been shocked at the difference in their baby within 24 hours after a frenotomy. I have also included a lovely face massage video within the package you can do before & after too, it truly is a blessing to have something like this as a parent, Grab your copy below today!
I have created a whole list of recommendations for symptoms of reflux, check it out.
Rose Wellbeing Therapies®️ 