Edmonton Tongue Tie: How Carrie Can Help Your Baby and You
Gentle Support for Feeding, Comfort, and Connection
Learn how oral ties, like tongue and lip ties, affect babies and breastfeeding moms. Discover gentle osteopathic and viscerocranio massage techniques in Edmonton to support both baby and mother.
What Are Oral Ties/Lip Ties and Tongue Ties?
Oral ties occur when the tissue (frenulum) connecting the tongue, lip, or cheeks to the mouth is unusually tight, thick, or short, restricting movement. Infant tongue ties and lip ties are common. These ties, commonly referred to as:
- Tongue Tie (Lingual Frenulum)
- Lip Tie (Labial Frenulum)
- Buccal Tie (cheek tie),
can interfere with essential functions like feeding and may contribute to tension in both the baby and the breastfeeding parent.
How Oral Ties/Tongue Ties Affect Babies
Oral ties can cause a variety of challenges for babies, including:
- Feeding Difficulties: Struggles with latching, frequent slipping off the breast, or prolonged feeding sessions.
- Gassiness or Reflux: Swallowing air during feeding can lead to discomfort and reflux.
- Poor Weight Gain: Difficulty transferring milk may result in slow growth or frequent feeding needs.
- Tension and Discomfort: Oral restrictions can lead to tightness in the neck, jaw, or shoulders, making babies fussy or colicky.
- Clicking or Excessive Drooling: Babies may make clicking sounds while feeding or have trouble managing saliva.
Left untreated, infant tongue ties and other oral ties can also lead to developmental challenges such as speech issues, dental problems, and compensatory habits like mouth breathing.
How Oral Ties/Tongue Ties Affect Moms
Oral ties don’t just impact babies—they can strain the breastfeeding relationship and create physical discomfort for mothers. Signs of oral ties affecting moms include:
- Lipstick-Shaped Nipples: Nipple compression caused by a poor latch may leave nipples misshapen after feeding.
- Nipple Pain: Shallow or incorrect latch caused by oral ties can lead to pain, cracking, or bleeding.
- Low Milk Supply: Inefficient milk transfer may reduce milk production over time.
- Frequent Blocked Ducts or Mastitis: Incomplete milk removal can lead to engorgement and infections.
- Emotional Strain: Feeding difficulties can cause frustration and feelings of inadequacy, potentially straining the breastfeeding relationship.
How Osteopathy and Viscerocranio Massage Can Help infants with Tongue Ties and other Oral Ties
Carrie specializes in gentle, non-invasive techniques to support babies with oral ties and help mothers find relief. Both Manual Osteopathy and Viscerocranio Massage are tailored to address the challenges caused by oral ties, creating a holistic approach to care for both baby and mom.
Benefits of Osteopathy and Viscerocranio Massage:
- For Babies:
- Releases tension in the jaw, tongue, and neck to improve latch and feeding.
- Reduces compensatory tightness throughout the body.
- Supports nervous system regulation for a calmer, more comfortable baby.
- For Moms:
- Relieves discomfort caused by poor latching and nipple trauma.
- Improves milk flow and reduces the risk of blocked ducts or mastitis.
- Eases the emotional strain by supporting a better breastfeeding relationship.
Additionally, these therapies are beneficial before and after a frenectomy (tie release) to prepare the body and promote optimal recovery.
Why Choose Carrie at Baby Osteo?
Carrie brings extensive experience and advanced training in craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and Somato-Emotional Release. Her gentle, compassionate approach ensures that both you and your baby feel supported and cared for. As a mom of three, including twins, Carrie understands the emotional and physical challenges families face and is passionate about helping parents and babies thrive. As a mother, she has experience with her own children being treated for oral ties. Read about pre-revision treatment here.
Book Your Assessment Today
If you suspect your baby has an oral tie or you’re experiencing breastfeeding challenges, Carrie is here to help. Click here to schedule your session and discover how osteopathy and viscerocranio massage can support you and your baby.
