Tongue, lip, and buccal ties - what do I do?
Functional feeding assessment, preparation, and follow-up—centered on your baby, your goals, and your family.
Tongue, lip, and buccal ties can affect feeding in complex and sometimes subtle ways. At East Tennessee Lactation, we focus on how your baby functions, not just what their mouth looks like.
Our role is to help you understand what’s happening with feeding, determine whether tethered oral tissues are contributing, and guide you through next steps with clarity and confidence.
A Whole-Picture Approach to Tethered Oral Tissues
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We don’t believe in quick assessments or one-size-fits-all answers. Our visits are comprehensive—often 60–90 minutes—because feeding challenges rarely exist in isolation.
When we work with families navigating tongue, lip, or buccal ties, we focus on:
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detailed feeding observation
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oral-motor function and coordination
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body tension and movement patterns
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parent goals and feeding preferences
Some babies benefit from a release. Others need preparation first. Some may improve with targeted therapy alone. Our job is to help you understand which path makes sense for your baby.
Unbiased Guidance and Thoughtful Referrals
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We are not tied to a single release provider, dentist, ENT, or bodyworker. This matters.
Because we work with an extensive network of trusted providers, we’re able to offer unbiased recommendations based on your baby’s needs—not on convenience or affiliation. You’ll always have space to ask questions, explore options, and make informed decisions for your family.
If a referral is appropriate, we’ll help you understand:
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what different providers may recommend
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how approaches can vary
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and how to prepare so your baby is set up for success
Support Before and After a Release
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We often work with families who were sent for a tie release without preparation or follow-up—and were left discouraged when feeding didn’t improve afterward.
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A release can create opportunity for movement, but it’s only one piece of the feeding puzzle. Many babies need:
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targeted sucking exercises
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bodywork
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and continued lactation support
to learn how to use their new range of motion effectively.
We support families before and after release, adjusting care as your baby grows and develops.
Considering a Tongue or Lip Tie Release?
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by what a release involves and what comes next. Many parents ask:
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Will feeding improve right away?
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What does aftercare really look like?
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How much support will my baby need afterward?
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We’ve created a detailed guide that walks you through what to expect before, during, and after a tongue or lip tie release, so you can feel informed and prepared every step of the way.
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This May Be a Good Fit If You’re Experiencing:
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Painful or inefficient breastfeeding
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Clicking, leaking milk, or poor seal
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Slow weight gain or feeding fatigue
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Bottle refusal or difficulty transitioning between breast and bottle
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Reflux-like symptoms or persistent fussiness
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Feeding challenges that haven’t improved with positioning alone