Do You HAVE To Get A Tongue Tie Released?
Short answer: No. You don’t have to do anything.
And that’s important to hear right away.
You are the parent. You get to decide what feels right for your baby and your family.
The longer answer is more nuanced, because whether or not a tongue tie release is helpful depends on how much the tongue tie is affecting your baby’s ability to feed, grow, and feel comfortable in their body.
When a Tongue Tie Is Affecting Feeding or Development
The most important question to ask is:
Is the tongue tie getting in the way of my baby feeding or thriving?
For example, a tongue tie may be a problem if:
Breastfeeding is painful
You’re experiencing ongoing nipple damage
Baby struggles to get a full feed at the breast
These are signs that feeding mechanics may be compromised.
Similarly, if your baby:
Clicks or slurps during every breast or bottle feed
Swallows excess air
Experiences chronic gas pain or discomfort
That tongue restriction may be interfering not just with feeding, but with your baby’s overall comfort and ability to thrive.
When You Don’t Need to Rush a Tongue Tie Release
If your baby is:
Feeding efficiently > including draining the breast well, pacing the letdown without chocking
Gaining weight well
Generally content between feeds
Not causing any nipple damage
There is no need to rush into a tongue tie release if you’re not comfortable.
Not every tongue tie needs to be released. Function matters more than appearance.
Tongue Tie Symptoms But Feeling Unsure About a Procedure?
If you’re noticing symptoms such as:
Clicking at the breast or bottle
Chronic gas or reflux-like symptoms
Limited mobility (for example: hating tummy time or the car seat)
Poor feeding efficiency
Ongoing nipple pain or damage
…but the idea of a procedure on your baby feels overwhelming and that’s completely understandable.
There are supportive steps you can take before deciding on a release.
Step One: Lactation Support From an IBCLC
If feeding or weight gain are concerns, reaching out to an IBCLC trained in infant tongue tie support is an excellent first step.
An experienced IBCLC can:
Assess latch and milk transfer
Identify compensations related to tongue restriction
Provide oral exercises to help your baby use their available tongue range more effectively
The goal is to optimize function, even without changing anatomy.
Step Two: Infant Bodywork Support
The tongue is connected to fascia that runs throughout the entire body, from the mouth down to the toes.
Because of this, working with an infant trained bodyworker can significantly improve symptoms. This may include:
Infant physiotherapy
Infant osteopathy
Some families choose to do this alongside lactation support, while others consider it a “step 1.5.”
Preparing for a Tongue Tie Release… or Avoiding One
Here’s something many parents don’t realize:
The steps to prepare for a tongue tie release and the steps to potentially avoid a tongue tie release are often the same.
To prepare for a release, we want:
A baby using their tongue as effectively as possible
Reduced tension in the head, neck, shoulders, and body
Improved feeding mechanics for better healing and outcomes
To avoid a release, we’re aiming for those same functional improvements.
If symptoms improve enough with lactation support and bodywork? Amazing. A release may not be necessary.
If symptoms don’t improve, or don’t improve enough for your baby to truly thrive, that’s when I recommend consulting a trained pediatric dentist to assess and possibly release the tethered oral tissue.
A Note for Overwhelmed New Parents
Navigating tongue tie information can feel incredibly confusing, especially when you have the added pressure of doing what is best for your baby.
Between hormones, sleep deprivation, and the pressure to make the “right” decision, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure.
That’s exactly why I created my Tongue Tie Support Package to guide you through this process step by step, whether or not you choose to move forward with a release.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
You can find that package, along with other postpartum and lactation support options — HERE.
