BROOKE HOLLAND CMT, CST-T
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
TONGUE TIE
What is a Tongue Tie and How Can Craniosacral Help a Baby With a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie, also referred to as ankyloglossia, is when the frenulum (the small piece of connective tissue under your tongue) is tight or short, restricting the tongue’s movements. This inability to properly use the tongue makes it difficult for the baby to adequately breastfeed, leading to low weight gain and/or painful nursing for the mom. Common symptoms of a tongue tie include poor or shallow latch, clicking sound while nursing, gassiness, grunting, fussiness, cracked or sore nipples or nipples that are creased, flat or blanched after nursing. Because tongue tie isn’t widely known among doctors, midwives or pediatricians, the problem can often go undiagnosed, leading to extreme frustration and exhaustion for parents.
The most commonly prescribed treatment for a tongue tie is a physical release of the tongue, done either with a scalpel or with a laser to physically remove excess tissue and allow the tongue to move more freely. But while this treats the immediate cause, it misses the underlying midline tension within the body’s tissues that keep a baby from being able to nurse effectively. Most parents who get their baby’s tongue tie revised or released see little improvement in their symptoms, or sometimes even see symptoms worsen.
Craniosacral therapy helps resolve a tongue tie by releasing the underlying midline tension within a baby’s body, allowing their body to relax, their central nervous system to calm and their muscles and tissues begin to work as they should to feed effectively. While the entire process takes a couple of months, the vast majority of families who go through treatment see results even within one session.
What is a Tongue Tie and How Can Craniosacral Help a Baby With a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie, also referred to as ankyloglossia, is when the frenulum (the small piece of connective tissue under your tongue) is tight or short, restricting the tongue’s movements. This inability to properly use the tongue makes it difficult for the baby to adequately breastfeed, leading to low weight gain and/or painful nursing for the mom. Common symptoms of a tongue tie include poor or shallow latch, clicking sound while nursing, gassiness, grunting, fussiness, cracked or sore nipples or nipples that are creased, flat or blanched after nursing. Because tongue tie isn’t widely known among doctors, midwives or pediatricians, the problem can often go undiagnosed, leading to extreme frustration and exhaustion for parents.
The most commonly prescribed treatment for a tongue tie is a physical release of the tongue, done either with a scalpel or with a laser to physically remove excess tissue and allow the tongue to move more freely. But while this treats the immediate cause, it misses the underlying midline tension within the body’s tissues that keep a baby from being able to nurse effectively. Most parents who get their baby’s tongue tie revised or released see little improvement in their symptoms, or sometimes even see symptoms worsen.
Craniosacral therapy helps resolve a tongue tie by releasing the underlying midline tension within a baby’s body, allowing their body to relax, their central nervous system to calm and their muscles and tissues begin to work as they should to feed effectively. While the entire process takes a couple of months, the vast majority of families who go through treatment see results even within one session.
Why Do We Need Three Months Of Treatment For A Tongue Tie?
I've seen the most positive results for tongue tied babies when we stack treatment intensely for the first few weeks and then slowly space treatment out as we see function improve. I recommend an initial 45 minute session and then three 30 minute follow up sessions one week apart. This way families know they can complete the entire treatment regimen without having to constantly be evaluating whether or not they can wait longer for the next session. This also eliminates decision fatigue at a time where many parents are exhausted and stressed.
Although most families see a difference within their baby even within one session, for those results to be long lasting, a longer treatment regimen is necessary. Tongue ties often have both a genetic and physical component and the tension within a baby’s body builds up for months in the womb and after birth and thus takes time to completely resolve. Three months allows this tension to slowly unwind and for the body to find new, healthier patterns to balance itself.
What other help do we need for treating a tongue tie?
Your craniosacral therapist is just one member of a team of providers who can help you with a tongue tie. For best results, we recommend working both with your healthcare provider (midwife, pediatrician, etc.), a pediatric dentist and an international board certified lactation consultant with experience with tongue ties. Remember, a diagnosis of a tongue tie involves two gloved fingers checking the tongue for both adequate lift and extension. I cannot diagnose a tongue tie but can refer you to competent providers that we work with regularly. Because I have been working in this field for years, I have excellent recommendations for the best providers in Southern California, as well as good relationships with those providers so they can consult on the best course of treatment for each individual. Having a team of trusted professionals who know and respect each other makes treatment much more holistic and successful.