Is tongue tie real?

Yes. It is real. Why is this controversial? I myself am tongue tied and so is my daughter. Tongue tie is ancient and multicultural. This is not a fad.

Can we diagnose it by looking? It depends. If it's severe enough, probably. The important part to look for is how the tongue is functioning. Can the tongue elevate? Can the tongue lateralize? How about extension?

I hear people say, "Kristi, I really wanted to breastfeed, but I couldn't. I'm only pumping." I hear it all the time. Here's my philosophy.

You aren't breastfeeding, your baby is breastfeeding. If they aren't able to move milk, why? Why are you needing to use your pump when suck/swallow/breathe is an innate reflex? What is going on with them? We can ignore it and bottle feed, but I assure you, we will see issues with eating solids, with airway, with sleep, with palate expansion.

Do all babies need revision? Of course not. Do all adults need CPAP? Of course not. Do all people need glasses? Again, no. I find many babies do well with oral habilitation exercises and bodywork. If the exercises and tension release does not work, then it may become necessary to release the tie. I do believe exercises should always be tried first.

The most important part of assessment is to find a qualified IBCLC who can evaluate appropriate tongue function. I'm an oral habilitation specialist and I work with a great team of other providers that can show you clearly what is happening with your baby and how to improve their feeding skills.

Restricted. Looks very restricted, but exercises and parent documentation will help make the assessment.

Beautiful elevation - may need exercises, but the tongue can move.