Tongue Tie

 As a certified pediatric chiropractor and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Dr Barto has a unique perspective on how chiropractic care can be a valuable part of managing tongue tie in infants. Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the frenulum—the band of tissue under the tongue—is too tight or short, potentially leading to difficulties with breastfeeding and overall oral function. This condition can impact an infant’s ability to latch properly during breastfeeding, lead to feeding difficulties, and cause discomfort for both the baby and the mother. Addressing this condition involves not only understanding the anatomical and functional challenges but also integrating holistic strategies that support the baby’s feeding and developmental needs.

From a chiropractic perspective, the primary goal is to optimize the nervous system’s function, which is crucial for effective feeding and oral motor skills. Misalignments or subluxations in the cervical spine can contribute to muscle tension or nerve irritation that impacts the muscles involved in sucking and swallowing. By performing gentle spinal adjustments, chiropractors can help alleviate these tensions, potentially improving the baby’s ability to latch and feed more efficiently. This adjustment process also helps in ensuring that the nervous system communicates effectively with the muscles involved in feeding, which can enhance the baby’s overall feeding experience.

In addition to spinal adjustments, Dr Barto’s role as an IBCLC allows her to provide targeted guidance on feeding techniques and exercises. Infants with tongue tie often develop compensatory feeding patterns or muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. Chiropractic care, combined with specific oral exercises and positioning strategies, can help address these issues. For instance, gentle myofascial release techniques can be used to reduce tension in the oral and neck muscles, while guided exercises can promote better coordination and function of the tongue and jaw. These complementary approaches can significantly improve the baby’s latch and feeding efficiency, addressing some of the core challenges associated with tongue tie.

Moreover, bringing chiropractic care and lactation consulting together provides a holistic approach to managing tongue tie. While chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment and muscle function, lactation consulting addresses feeding techniques, milk supply issues, and the overall feeding dynamics. Through chiropractic and lactation consulting, we can create a comprehensive care plan that supports both the physical and functional aspects of tongue tie. This integrated approach ensures that all factors contributing to feeding difficulties are addressed, leading to a more effective resolution of the issues and improved outcomes for both the baby and the mother.
It is important to approach chiropractic care for infants with a focus on safety and gentleness. Techniques are specifically tailored to the delicate needs of babies, and chiropractors work in close partnership with other healthcare providers to ensure that all aspects of the baby’s care are coordinated effectively. By improving spinal alignment, muscle balance, and functional coordination, chiropractic care can be a beneficial complement to other treatments for tongue tie, ultimately supporting the baby’s feeding success and overall well-being.