Tongue Tie: How the condition affects breastfeeding and brain development? Expert explains

Tongue Tie: How the condition affects breastfeeding and brain development? Expert explains

New Delhi: Being tongue-tied is not just a saying but it is an actual condition that majorly affects children. Tongue tie also called ankyloglossia occurs when the strip of the skin beneath the tongue is shorter than usual. This restricts the range of motion and the potential of feeding, hygiene in kids and also their speech. In the case of those with a tongue tie, achieving a proper latch can be a matter of struggle and invite frustration for both, the mother and the baby. There can be potential issues such as inadequate milk transfer. Hence, the baby will become fussy or refuse feeding altogether, while mothers might face issues such as nipple pain and mastitis due to ineffective nursing.

In conversation with News9, Dr Jagdish Kathwate, Consultant Neonatologist & Paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital Kharadi Pune said, “Tongue tie or ankyloglossia is significantly known to impact the breastfeeding experience when it comes to the mother and the baby. This condition is often seen when the tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth of the baby is shorter or thicker than usual, restricting tongue movement due to a limited range of motion. Here, the child will be unable to move the tongue from side to side.”

“Moreover, tongue tie isn’t just a physical concern, it is also known to take an emotional toll and impact the bonding of the baby during the early feeding sessions. Tongue ties can interfere with the smooth breastfeeding process and cause trouble for the child. The stress linked to unsuccessful breastfeeding attempts will lead to various problems for mothers such as feeling helpless, frustrated, stressed, and overwhelmed.”

Problems related to tongue tie and breastfeeding

According to Dr Kathwate, “Tongue tie is known to reduce the breastmilk supply, can cause excruciating pain for the mother, and will also be the reason behind reduced breastmilk intake in the baby. This tongue tie is also known to have implications for brain development and reflux in infants. Some babies may also encounter sleep problems which will leave them cranky and irritated and impact their cognitive health. . This limitation can disrupt early sensory experiences required for cognitive growth and social interaction, causing learning challenges as children grow. However, there is no speech impairment in babies due to tongue tie. This condition results in inadequate calorie intake and failure to thrive. Poor latch can also lead to maternal nipple discomfort and pain.”

It will be challenging for the mother to carry out appropriate oral hygiene for the child due to the restriction of tongue movement. It will be imperative for mothers to seek timely intervention when it comes to the health of their babies and speak to a lactation expert without any further delay to enhance the breastfeeding experience for the baby.

Various feeding techniques, like using breast pumps can be helpful for such babies. Consulting lactation specialists and paediatricians can help the parents come up with tailored measures and ensure peace of mind and a strong feeding relationship between the mother and the baby.

 Tongue tie or ankyloglossia is significantly known to impact the breastfeeding experience when it comes to the mother and the baby. This condition is often seen when the tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth of the baby is shorter or thicker than usual, restricting tongue movement due to a limited range of motion  Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare