What to Expect With a Tongue, Lip, or Buccal Tie Release
When families come to us with concerns about tongue, lip, or buccal ties, one of the most common feelings we hear is uncertainty—about the process, the timing, and what feeding will look like afterward.
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Our role is to help you feel informed, prepared, and supported before you ever step into a release provider’s office. A tie release is not a stand-alone fix; it’s part of a larger feeding picture. Knowing what to expect can make a meaningful difference for both you and your baby.
Before a Tie Release: Preparation Matters
Not every baby is ready for a release right away. Feeding is a learned skill, and oral movement, coordination, and body tension all play a role.
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During your visits with us, we focus on:
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how your baby feeds (not just how their mouth looks)
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oral-motor function and coordination
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body tension and movement patterns
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your feeding goals and concerns
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Our appointments are intentionally thorough, often lasting 60–90 minutes, so there is time to observe feeding, answer questions, and create a clear plan of care.
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Depending on your baby’s feeding abilities, we may recommend:
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targeted sucking exercises
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bodywork
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additional visits for preparation
before a release referral is made. This preparation helps babies better use their increased range of motion after a release.
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If a release is appropriate, we’ll help you navigate next steps with clarity. We work with an extensive network of trusted providers and are not tied to a single dentist, ENT, or bodyworker. This allows us to offer unbiased guidance based on your baby’s needs.
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Once you’ve scheduled with a provider, we’re happy to send relevant visit notes and photos (with your permission) so they have a complete picture of your baby’s feeding history.
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At the evaluation:
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some providers may recommend and perform a release the same day
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others may schedule the procedure for a later date to allow for additional preparation
Both approaches can be appropriate depending on the baby.
Choosing and Scheduling with a Release Provider
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Most babies are able to feed soon after a release, including breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Some families notice changes right away, while others see improvement gradually as their baby learns new movement patterns.
It’s common for babies to feel sore or uncomfortable for the first few days. Comfort and pain management may include:
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skin-to-skin contact
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frequent feeding
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age-appropriate guidance from your provider regarding pain relief
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or the homeopathic protocol discussed during your visit
Your release provider will review what to expect on the day of the procedure and answer questions specific to their technique.
Day of the Tie Release
Aftercare: Healing with Intention
Aftercare instructions may be called stretches, lifts, or elevations, depending on the provider. We recommend doing aftercare 6 times per 24 hours for 5-6 weeks. We will show you how to do the lifts before your release procedure is scheduled.
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It’s normal to feel unsure at first when you do the aftercare with your baby. We will be here each step of the way. We routinely check in with families within about 48 hours after a release to make sure:
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feeding is progressing appropriately
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aftercare feels manageable
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questions are addressed early
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Some providers recommend massage of the wound site in addition to lifts. In our experience, lifts alone can be effective for most babies.
Feeding After a Release - What's Normal?
After a release, your baby has the potential to move more freely—but learning to use that movement takes time.
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In the days following a release, it’s normal to see:
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temporary changes in latch or bottle feeding
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increased fussiness (call your release provider if you feel your baby is overly fussy)
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feeding that feels different before it feels better
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We typically see babies 2–3 days after a release to:
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reassess feeding
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evaluate oral movement
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adjust exercises based on how your baby is responding
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Ongoing support helps babies integrate their new range of motion into functional feeding.
Tie Release is Just a Piece of the Puzzle
Many families come to us after a release that didn’t resolve feeding concerns—often because there was little preparation or follow-up support.
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A tie release can open the door to improved movement, but babies often need:
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continued feeding guidance
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targeted exercises
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time and practice
to fully benefit from that change.
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We’re here to support your baby before and after a release, helping you navigate each phase with confidence and realistic expectations.