Tongue Tie

What is tongue tie?

Also known as ankyloglossia is a condition in which the strip of skin that connects the baby’s tongue to the bottom of their mouth is shorter than normal. Creating a restriction which in turn affects the movement of the tongue. It affects between 4 – 11 % of babies. Tongue tie can be diagnosed during post birth checks and are also missed at times, being diagnosed at a later time in babys’ life.  

Tongue tie can be identified due to the tongue being a different shape. This has different extremes dependent on the type of tongue tie, if it is mild or severe. As the tongue is restricted it will affect functions such as being able to stick the tongue out and struggling with feeding; babies becoming tired during feeds due to the extra effort needed.

The tongue carries out many functions including feeding, suckling, chewing, swallowing, eating and talking.

Symptoms of tongue tie:

·         Not gaining weight, losing weight

·         Baby struggling to feed

·         Baby making clicking sounds whilst feeding

·         Baby struggling with latch

·         Baby having a shallow latch

·         Painful breastfeeding

·         Tongue staying in a low position when baby cries    

Treatment:

Osteopaths cannot detach the tongue tie. Cranial Osteopathy can help in the form of working through the cranial bones, stretching the muscles connected to the tongue tie and improving mobility. The birthing process can place a tremendous amount of pressure on babys’ head which can lead to tension in the body, affecting the mouth and its function. Treatment aim is directed at helping to release the tension, improve function and help to facilitate baby to feed easier.

Huddersfield Osteopath has dealt with numerous cases to support tongue tie; pre tongue tie correction and post tongue tie correction appointments to help support the process which has been carried out by doctors and lactation consultants (IBCLC) who have specialised within this field to carry out the corrections. Milk matters! This process is carried out to help your baby/ infant to feel at ease with their feeding solution.

Baby Clinic

Cranial Osteopathy could have cropped up in many a conversation for you. You may have heard it from other mums, your health visitor, your midwife or even your GP. Not to worry if you’re still none the wiser. This page is dedicated to helping you with frequently asked questions about Cranial Osteopathy treatment for babies and young children.

What?

Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle and subtle form of Osteopathy treatment. Used to treat babies and young children. By employing the use of gentle manipulation of head and spine. This helps to ease baby, improve comfort which is huge relief when baby is struggling to settle or trouble to pass wind.

Osteopaths may work alongside lactation consultants to help with breastfeeding postural advice. Cranial Osteopathy is non-manipulative, gentle and safe.

Why?

The birth process can be traumatic for both mum and baby. The stress and pressure of labour can cause trauma to the baby. Including bruising and head shape being an ‘odd’ shape. This can lead to long term discomfort for baby. This is where Cranial Osteopathy comes in, helping babies struggling with sleep or to settle.

Treatment?

Cranial Osteopathy is non-invasive, safe and gentle. The treatment helps to facilitate stress release of the body which may be caused by childbirth and labour. Cranial Osteopathy helps to relieve this stress by working with involuntary movement (minute oscillations).

Cranial Osteopathy can help with babies who suffer with constant crying, wind, colic and irritability. An added benefit may possibly be to help baby with their sleep.