So, you’ve been told your baby has a tongue tie. As a parent, the thought of any procedure for your little one is nerve racking! But don’t worry - as a pediatric physical therapist, I see babies and their parents for this all the time. While a tongue tie release procedure can potentially improve your baby’s feeding, breathing, and oral motor development, the preparation before the procedure will ensure everyone involved receives the best possible outcome. 

Referral and Collaboration with Expert IBCLCs

I work with lactation consultants as much as possible for babies who may need a release. Their support is imperative to ensuring that the baby is able to get the milk and calories that they need. An experienced IBCLC is an important member of this team, as they specialize in supporting the breastfeeding dyad on all fronts from supply, latch, positioning, supplementing, pumping and more. They can contribute to the holistic assessment process (along with the release provider and any therapists on the team) and help manage both pre- and post-procedure feeding techniques to ensure your baby continues to thrive.

Oral Motor Therapy

Before and after the release, oral motor therapy plays a vital role in ensuring the muscles of the mouth work effectively. These exercises help strengthen and coordinate the muscles needed for sucking, swallowing, and later, speech development. These therapies also help to make sure all of the proper reflexes are present and working optimally to support continued improvement. 

Manual Therapy: Bodywork for Babies

Manual therapy is gentle and can be profoundly beneficial for babies pre- and post-tongue tie release. Techniques like myofascial release, massage, and craniosacral fascial therapy help in releasing tension in the fascia—connective tissues that when tight can restrict movement and cause discomfort. This type of bodywork supports the whole body's alignment and can ease the transition to successful feeding.

Therapeutic Exercise for the Whole Body

Yes! Feeding is a full body activity. Helping your baby’s whole body function well through therapeutic exercises will impact not only feeding, but their overall motor development. 

Sensory Strategies for Nervous System Regulation

Just like adults, babies need a regulated nervous system to manage stress from the procedure. Sensory strategies can be a game changer in helping your baby remain calm during the healing process. 

Collaboration with Other Providers

Collaboration is KEY when it comes to the best care for your little one! A pediatric PT can be a great member of the team which may also include lactation consultant, occupational therapist, osteopath, chiropractor, craniosacral therapist, speech therapist, and of course, the release provider. 

Access to Our Free Support Group

PLEASE remember… you're not alone. When you work with me at Progress Through Play, joining our free support group allows you to connect with other parents who are going through this! It’s a great community for sharing tips, asking questions, and receiving support.

Tons of Parent Education

Education is power. Here at Progress Through Play we provide education for parents to help them understand the whole process—from what a tongue-tie is, to how to care for their child before and after the release!

Preparing for a tongue-tie release is about providing a supportive, holistic approach that considers every aspect of your baby’s well-being. By engaging in strategies before the procedure, working with a team of specialists, and using resources available to you, you can ensure that your baby gets optimal results.

For more information and further guidance, check out the Progress Through Play Pre-Release Pathway FREE GUIDE. Demystify the process of treating your infant's tongue/lip tie. 

*Don’t let yourself feel pressured or rushed into a procedure. Let us help you feel totally prepared and empowered with strategies to help optimize your baby’s release!