T was Tongue-tied. We found out on Wednesday when I went to a local breastfeeding group and asked why T was all of a sudden making a clicking sound when he fed. After a quick look, we found the issue.
What’s funny is that I have the same piece of skin between the jaw and tongue so never thought anything of it when I saw that T had it, but apparently that’s the tongue-tie (no wonder my mum couldn’t breastfeed me) and it can be passed on genetically.
During the breastfeeding group I was given a number to call a tongue tie specialist at a local hospital so I called and made an appointment for the Friday.
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We arrived at the hospital and it wasn’t long after introductions, a brief outline as to the procedure and the signing of some paperwork that we got underway.
T was swaddled tightly to stop any wriggling and after a bit of poking and prodding it was done. It was very quick, although I was shocked no numbing agent was used considering an adult would apparently have to go under a general anaesthetic if they wanted it done. The procedure probably looked worse than it was, especially as T slept through the whole thing and only woke because he farted loudly. It still didn’t stop me welling up though.
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Now that I know T was tongue-tied it made perfect sense as to why he had issues with gas. The tongue-tie created a gap in T’s mouth when he fed which meant he took in extra air. There’s obviously still an issue with him dealing with gas but hopefully, now that the tongue-tie has been dealt with, it’ll deal with the extra air.
We were advised T probably wouldn’t notice anything after the procedure, however the night that followed was probably the worst one since he arrived. T fed every 40 minutes and wouldn’t be put in his Moses basket and would only sleep once on our chests. It was a long night.
The following day, everything was back to normal. T was back on his 3 hourly feeds and slept happily in his basket, and you know what? His clicking has certainly subsided.
K

I have tongue tie and my mum didn’t breastfeed me for long either. Hoping our boy doesn’t get it but it’s good to hear that it is an easy fix if he is. I don’t like the idea of no numbing either – sure wouldn’t want mine cut with none 🙁
It’s bizarre, isn’t it? It can be genetic, I’d be interested to know if our donor had one also to see if it came from me.
I don’t think it hurts them as much at this stage as the skin is so thin… Still… Not a nice thought.
That is quite a tie – I’m surprised no one noticed before! Hope you can continue easily on your breastfeeding journey now!
I agree! I thought they would have picked it up at the hospital when he was born. Perhaps it’s got bigger as he’s grown and was only recently noticeable?
That’s quite a tie – I’m surprised that no one has noticed it before. Hopefully you can continue easily on your breastfeeding journey now!
I have a good friend whose son was tongue tied. Breastfeeding was painful so she kept asking about it and the pediatrician kept saying it wasn’t an issue. Finally at 6 months they had someone who specializes in tongue ties look and sure enough, tongue tie and upper lip tie. Apparently pediatricians are not trained to identify them as a standard practice! I’m so glad you were able to do so early. Hope things are easier on the feeding front from now on!
6 months!! That’s awful (for both him and his mum). I can’t believe they didn’t even have a look and then refer. A paediatrician must know what they look like. That could have really messed feeding up.
Glad it’s all sorted out now though (for everyone). It’s a nasty old business. 🙂
My guy had a tongue and lip tie that we got corrected. I remember feeling like a terrible mom, but as you said it was quick and after one night of being off he was back to normal. Now at 10 months you’d never know. I had no idea what any of this was when he was first born and the lactation consultant at the hospital told me about it.
Awww. Bless him. Glad he’s better now.
You definitely feel awful, especially when they’re over them trying to open their mouth – I did well up a little. I did also start to worry when we had that bad night that it was going to be like it for a while, thankfully it was just that night like you said. X
Oh wow yeah that’s really tongue tied! I’m glad he’s doing so well now. Poor little guy!
That is a pretty serious tie! I’m glad you were able to get it taken care of and that T is doing well!