Dr Lexi Talks Lip Tongue Ties
One of the leading specialties Dr Lexi offers is her specially designed Lip and/or Tongue Tie Protocol, supporting mothers struggling to support their child’s ability to nurse due to Lip and/or Tongue Ties. Body work can help to unwind the body and allow the function of tongue and other necessary structures for breastfeeding to occur easily and efficiently. We are aware that there are other types of ties in the mouth, but since we are working with the body and not directly with those ties, they aren’t mentioned here.
What are Lip and Tongue Ties & how can it affect your little?
Lip and tongue ties (the most visibly obvious) are located where the frenulums (the areas that hold down the lip to the gum line and the tongue to the bottom of the mouth) are located. If the frenulum is tight, visibly seen by pulling the the top lip up (ideally can be pulled over the baby’s nostrils) and when the baby is crying, see the shape of the tongue (heart shape is a standard tie) and how far the tongue can be stuck out (potential posterior tie if unable to push tongue out) it can cause several issues… right away we can see issues with breastfeeding the baby, gastrointestinal issues, inability to move fluidly and easily (head stuck to one side, dislikes Tummy Time, etc.) and discomfort overall. Later we can see speech delays or impediments, decreased dental health (cavities, braces), airway constriction causing sleep disturbance, anxiety, headaches, TMJ issues, behavioral disturbances and potentially more.
How can you tell if your little has Lip and/or Tongue Tie?
Look for symptoms such as an inability to properly nurse, clicking noises while the baby is suckling, excessive drooling, poor weight gain, or “gumming” and chewing of the nipple when feeding. These are all potential signs of tongue and lip ties. For professional assistance, a trained lactation professional or a trained pediatric dentist can identify and properly help recommend and refer as necessary.
What can be done to help?
While a daily, two week body work/ chiropractic adjustment with Dr Lexi is most suggested, we understand the struggle of getting out of the house every day or adding this type of expense to your budget. So what can be done at home to get you started?
Guppy Position
Tummy Time
Mouth stretches
