In short: A restrictive lip tie in babies can seriously compromise breastfeeding and weight gain. This often underestimated mucous membrane fold limits the mobility of the upper lip, making sucking inefficient. Early diagnosis by a healthcare professional is crucial to assess the impacts and consider solutions like frenectomy, thereby improving the comfort of both baby and mother.
Symptoms and Signs of a Lip Tie in Baby and Mother
In infants, a restrictive lip tie manifests as difficulty latching correctly. The upper lip cannot flange out, leading to inefficient sucking. You might hear clicking sounds or notice that the baby gets frustrated and pulls off the breast. Slow or stagnant weight gain is a major warning sign, as is the presence of reflux or colic due to air ingestion.
For the mother, the consequences are just as telling. Breastfeeding becomes painful, with a pinching sensation. This poor latch can lead to cracked nipples, recurrent engorgement, or even mastitis. A drop in milk supply can occur because breast stimulation is insufficient. These difficulties can unfortunately lead to an undesired early weaning.
Consequences of an Untreated Lip Tie: Baby vs. Mother
| Area of Impact | Consequences for the Baby | Consequences for the Mother |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding | Difficulty latching, inefficient sucking, clicking sounds, long and tiring feeds, reflux, colic. | Pain during feeds, cracked nipples, misshapen or blanched nipples after feeding (vasospasm). |
| Health & Growth | Slow or stagnant weight gain, dehydration in severe cases, excessive fatigue. | Frequent engorgement, clogged milk ducts, increased risk of mastitis, decreased milk supply. |
| Sleep & Behavior | Restless and short sleep due to never being fully satisfied, irritability, constant need to suck for comfort. | Physical and psychological exhaustion, stress, anxiety, feelings of failure, and risk of premature cessation of breastfeeding. |
| Dental Development | Risk of diastema (gap between upper incisors), poor oral hygiene as the lip cannot clean teeth, jaw tension. | Indirect impact related to concern for the child’s dental development and oral health. |
Frenectomy: Solution and Care for Lip Tie
If a lip tie is deemed restrictive, a frenectomy is the standard intervention. Performed by a professional, it involves sectioning the frenum to restore mobility to the lip. This quick procedure is done either with surgical scissors or a laser. It is often recommended to resolve breastfeeding difficulties and prevent maternal pain such as cracked nipples.
After the intervention, post-operative care is essential to ensure the success of the treatment. Specific stretching exercises must be performed several times a day to prevent scarring and recurrence. Follow-up is crucial to support the baby in their new oral mobility. This issue is often linked to that of a restrictive tongue tie.
A lip tie is only a problem if it impedes function. Visual examination alone is insufficient; a comprehensive sucking assessment, including a search for a possible restrictive tongue tie, is essential.
— Claire Dubois, IBCLC Lactation Consultant
Diagnosing a Lip Tie: Which Professionals to Consult?
If you suspect your baby has a lip tie, several professionals can be consulted. The journey often begins with a pediatrician or an IBCLC lactation consultant. These experts perform an initial assessment of the baby’s suck and breastfeeding. They can identify difficulties and refer you to a specialist if necessary. An accurate diagnosis is crucial for subsequent management and your baby’s well-being.
For a more in-depth diagnosis and treatment, a pediatric dentist or an ENT doctor are the go-to specialists. They are trained to evaluate the restriction and perform a frenectomy if indicated. Their expertise is also essential for distinguishing a lip tie from a restrictive tongue tie, which is often associated. A coordinated approach ensures the best care for both baby and mother.
Testimonial: Our Experience with Frenectomy
Rating: 5 out of 5
“The beginning of breastfeeding was a nightmare. My baby couldn’t latch properly, his weight gain was stagnant, and I had terrible cracked nipples. After the frenectomy, the difference was immediate. Feedings became calm, efficient, and finally peaceful. He started gaining weight, and my pain disappeared. A true liberation!”
Frequently Asked Questions About Infant Lip Tie
Is a frenectomy painful for the baby?
The procedure, called a frenectomy or frenotomy, is extremely quick. In infants, it is often performed with a simple topical local anesthetic (a numbing gel). The baby may cry more due to the restraint than the pain itself. Post-operative discomfort is generally mild, similar to a small canker sore, and is well managed with feeding, skin-to-skin contact, and, if needed, paracetamol (acetaminophen) as advised by a doctor. The discomfort is short-lived, while the benefits for breastfeeding can be immediate.
Can a lip tie re-form after the procedure?
Yes, there is a risk of “reattachment” if the wound heals by closing up. To prevent this, post-operative exercises are essential. The professional performing the procedure will show parents simple stretches to perform on the area several times a day for a few weeks. Strict adherence to this care protocol is key to ensuring the success of the intervention and preventing the re-formation of the tie.
What is the difference between a lip tie and a tongue tie?
A lip tie is a fold of mucous membrane that connects the upper lip to the gum, limiting its ability to flange out properly to create a good seal at the breast. A tongue tie (or ankyloglossia), on the other hand, is located under the tongue and restricts its mobility (elevation, extension, lateralization). While both can cause breastfeeding difficulties, a restrictive tongue tie often has a more direct and significant impact on the quality of the suck. It is common for a baby to present with both types of restrictive ties.
