Tongue Tie & Latch Challenges
Tongue Tie & Latch Challenges: Gentle, Family-Centered Care in Ormond Beach
Feeding your baby should not be painful or stressful. If your baby struggles to latch, feeds constantly, clicks while nursing, or you are experiencing nipple pain, New Journey Chiropractic provides gentle, neurologically-focused care to support your baby’s feeding journey while working alongside your healthcare team.
What Is It?
A tongue tie, also called ankyloglossia, occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the lingual frenulum) restricts the tongue’s movement. Some babies may also have a lip tie or cheek ties that can affect feeding mechanics.
Not all tongue ties cause problems, and not every feeding challenge is caused by a tongue tie. Successful feeding depends on many factors, including tongue function, jaw mobility, neck movement, nervous system regulation, birth history, maternal milk supply, and positioning during feeds.
Latch challenges can occur with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or both and may affect the baby’s ability to efficiently transfer milk and feed comfortably.
Common Signs & Symptoms
In Babies
- Difficulty latching or staying latched
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Frequent unlatching
- Falling asleep quickly during feeds
- Frustration or crying at the breast
- Gassiness or excessive air intake
- Reflux-like symptoms
- Poor weight gain
- Prolonged feeding sessions
- Preference for one breast
- Limited tongue movement
- Difficulty sticking the tongue out past the lips
In Mothers
- Nipple pain or damage
- Cracked or bleeding nipples
- Pain throughout the feeding session
- Recurrent plugged ducts
- Mastitis
- Low milk supply
- Oversupply from ineffective milk transfer
- Feeling that feeds are never complete
Possible Causes
Tongue and lip ties are congenital conditions, meaning they are present at birth. However, feeding difficulties are often multifactorial and may involve:
- Tongue tie (ankyloglossia)
- Lip tie or cheek ties
- Birth interventions or birth trauma
- Torticollis
- Jaw tension or asymmetry
- Cranial restrictions
- Prematurity
- Low muscle tone
- Neurological conditions
- Positioning difficulties during feeds
- Maternal milk supply concerns
It is important to remember that the appearance of the frenulum alone does not determine whether treatment is necessary. Function matters.
Red Flags
Parents should seek immediate medical attention if their baby has:
- Signs of dehydration
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
- Blue lips or skin
- Extreme lethargy
- Persistent vomiting
- Signs of infection
- Difficulty swallowing that worsens over time
How New Journey Chiropractic Approaches Care
At New Journey Chiropractic, we believe every feeding journey is unique.
Dr. Jayme performs a thorough evaluation that looks beyond just the tongue. We assess how the nervous system, head and neck mobility, jaw movement, posture, and birth history may be influencing feeding function.
Your baby’s assessment may include:
- Pregnancy and birth history
- Feeding history
- Nervous system evaluation
- Oral and jaw function screening
- Neck range of motion
- Cranial and facial symmetry assessment
- Postural evaluation
- Developmental milestones
Infant chiropractic care is incredibly gentle. Care uses light pressure appropriate for infants and does not involve twisting, cracking, or forceful manipulation.
Our goal is to help reduce tension, improve comfort and movement, and support optimal nervous system function so your baby can feed more comfortably.
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Providers
We believe the best outcomes happen when healthcare providers work together.
Depending on your baby’s needs, Dr. Jayme may collaborate with:
- Lactation consultants (IBCLC)
- Pediatricians
- Pediatric dentists
- ENT specialists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
If a tongue tie release (frenotomy) is being considered, we support families in understanding their options and ensuring they have appropriate evaluations and follow-up care.
Does every tongue tie need to be released?
No. Some babies have tongue ties but feed well and do not require treatment. Decisions about treatment should be based on function, symptoms, and a comprehensive evaluation.
Can chiropractic care release a tongue tie?
No. Chiropractic care does not release or cut a tongue tie. Chiropractic care may help address tension, movement restrictions, and nervous system function that can affect feeding.
Is chiropractic care safe for babies with feeding difficulties?
Yes. Infant chiropractic care uses very gentle, age-appropriate techniques. There is no cracking, twisting, or forceful movement.
Should I see a lactation consultant too?
Absolutely. Lactation consultants are an important part of the healthcare team. We frequently work alongside IBCLCs to support breastfeeding and bottle-feeding families.
My baby had a tongue tie release but is still struggling. Can you help?
Many babies benefit from additional support after a frenotomy. We evaluate the whole baby, including neck mobility, jaw function, posture, and nervous system regulation, and collaborate with your other providers as needed.
If your baby is struggling with latching, feeding comfortably, or you have concerns about a tongue tie, you do not have to navigate it alone.
At New Journey Chiropractic, we provide gentle, neurologically-focused care while partnering with your healthcare team to support your family’s feeding goals.
Related Conditions
Meet Dr. Jayme
Dr. Jayme Frear is a Registered Nurse and Doctor of Chiropractic who is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Pediatrics.
With backgrounds in both nursing and chiropractic, Dr. Jayme understands that feeding challenges can affect the entire family. She takes a compassionate, family-centered approach focused on listening to parents, thoroughly evaluating each baby, and creating individualized care plans.
Her goal is to help families feel supported, empowered, and confident throughout their feeding journey.