If your baby struggles with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or even taking a pacifier, their oral function may be playing a role. Tongue ties, lip ties, and other oral restrictions can make feeding difficult, impacting milk transfer, weight gain, and even comfort at the breast or bottle.
At Rooted Maternal Wellness, we specialize in comprehensive oral function assessments and lactation support to help parents navigate feeding challenges with confidence.
Understanding Tongue & Lip Ties in Infants
Not All Feeding Challenges Are "Just a Phase"—Could It Be an Oral Restriction?
Oral Function & Restrictions
- “If the baby can stick out their tongue, they don’t have a tie.” (False!)
- “It’ll stretch over time.” (Not true—restrictions do not naturally resolve.)
- “It’s not a problem if the baby is gaining weight.” (Milk transfer & efficiency matter too!)
Why Not All Providers Are Trained in Identifying Oral Ties
- Comprehensive oral exam (evaluating tongue, lip, and cheek movement)
- Functional feeding evaluation (observing baby at the breast or bottle)
- Parental symptoms review (pain, clogged ducts, oversupply, etc.)
- Discussion of body tension & compensations (jaw tightness, torticollis, etc.)
- Personalized care plan (feeding strategies, exercises, referrals if needed)
Did you know? Many healthcare providers—including pediatricians, ENTs, and some dentists—receive little to no training in oral function and feeding dynamics.
A simple “stick out your tongue” test isn’t enough to diagnose oral restrictions. Functional assessment matters!
What Sets an Expert Oral Function Assessment Apart?
At Rooted Maternal Wellness, we take a whole-baby approach—looking beyond the tie itself to assess oral function, muscle coordination, and feeding success.
✅ IBCLC-Led Feeding Support: We specialize in lactation & bottle feeding—our focus is feeding function, not just oral appearance.
✅ Expert Oral Function Evaluations: We assess the whole picture (baby’s symptoms, feeding abilities, muscle tension).
âś… Personalized Plans: Every baby is unique! We tailor care based on what your baby needs, not just whether a tie is present.
âś… Trusted Referrals When Needed: We work with the best bodyworkers & pediatric dentists to ensure comprehensive care.
âś… Ongoing Support: Whether or not a revision is needed, we help you through the entire process.
Why Choose Rooted Maternal Wellness for Oral Function Support?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my baby has a tongue or lip tie?
A true oral restriction affects function, not just appearance. If your baby is struggling with latching, milk transfer, bottle feeding, excessive gas, reflux, or weight gain, an oral function assessment can help determine if a tongue tie, lip tie, or other feeding issue is present.
My pediatrician said my baby doesn’t have a tie, but we’re still struggling with feeding. What should I do?
Many pediatricians, ENTs, and even some dentists do not have specialized training in oral function and may only check for obvious ties (e.g., visible or anterior tongue ties). Feeding difficulties often stem from posterior ties, oral tension, or poor coordination, which require a detailed oral function assessment by a trained IBCLC or feeding specialist.
Will my baby outgrow a tongue or lip tie?
No, ties do not stretch or go away on their own. Babies with mild restrictions may compensate, but this can lead to feeding challenges, speech concerns, or dental issues later on. If your baby is struggling with feeding, it’s best to address it early.
My baby is gaining weight. Could a tongue tie still be a problem?
Yes! Weight gain alone does not mean feeding is efficient. Some babies compensate by nursing constantly, using extra suction, or tiring quickly. Signs like nipple pain, clogged ducts, clicking while feeding, reflux, and gassiness can all indicate a problem, even if weight gain is within normal range.
Should every baby with a tongue or lip tie get it revised?
Not necessarily! The decision should be based on function, not just the presence of a restriction. Some ties don’t cause feeding problems, while others significantly impact milk transfer. A proper evaluation ensures that the right steps are taken—whether it’s feeding therapy, bodywork, or a release.
If my baby needs a release, is that the only step?
No! A release alone is not a cure-all. Pre- and post-revision therapy—including oral exercises, bodywork (like chiropractic or craniosacral therapy), and lactation support—are key to successful feeding outcomes. Without aftercare, babies may struggle with healing, reattachment, or continued feeding issues.
How soon should I schedule a feeding assessment if I suspect an issue?
The sooner, the better! Early intervention leads to easier feeding improvements and better long-term outcomes. If your baby is struggling with latch, milk transfer, or excessive fussiness, a professional oral function assessment can help you get the answers you need.
What happens during an oral function assessment with Rooted Maternal Wellness?
During your in-person or virtual consultation, we will:
âś… Perform a comprehensive oral exam (tongue, lips, and cheeks)
âś… Observe feeding at the breast or bottle to assess function
âś… Create a personalized plan (feeding strategies, exercises, or referrals)
âś… Offer guidance on bodywork and oral exercises if needed
âś… Provide ongoing support to help you navigate the process
Do you refer to pediatric dentists or other specialists?
Yes! If an oral restriction is significantly impacting feeding, we work with trusted pediatric dentists and bodyworkers (chiropractic, craniosacral therapy, OT/PT) to ensure a comprehensive care plan that supports your baby’s feeding journey.
