Why Tongue-Tie Matters Beyond Breastfeeding
By Anna Rademaker, IBCLC, LMT | Sacred Mama Denver
Tongue-tie isn’t just about feeding—it can affect a child’s sleep, breathing, speech, jaw development, and overall health if left untreated.
Feeding Challenges: Babies with tongue-tie often struggle to latch, transfer milk efficiently, or feed comfortably, leading to nipple pain, reflux, and slow weight gain.
Eating & Digestion: As babies grow, tongue restriction can cause difficulty chewing, gagging, food aversions, and digestive issues.
Sleep & Breathing: A restricted tongue often leads to mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, and even sleep apnea, which can impact energy levels and behavior.
Jaw & Facial Development: The tongue helps shape the palate and jaw. Without proper function, a child may develop a narrow palate, crowded teeth, or a recessed chin, increasing the need for orthodontics later.
Speech & Communication: The tongue plays a key role in forming sounds like L, R, T, D, and S. Tongue-tie can contribute to speech delays, lisps, or difficulty articulating words.
Tension & Jaw Issues: Tongue restriction can cause jaw pain, clenching, grinding, and even headaches due to poor oral posture and muscle compensation.
Long-Term Health Impacts: Chronic mouth breathing (often linked to tongue-tie) can lower oxygen levels, impact focus, and even contribute to behavioral challenges.
Early assessment and treatment—along with feeding and oral function support—can help prevent these challenges and set your child up for lifelong health.
Let’s Get You Set Up to Succeed
As an IBCLC, I do not diagnose tongue, lip, or cheek ties—but I can assess how your baby’s mouth is functioning. I'm here to listen, observe, and help create a personalized plan that supports you and your little one.
If you're having challenges with nursing, bottle feeding, or if something just doesn’t feel right, I’m here to help. I’m especially passionate about identifying and supporting babies with TOTS (tethered oral tissues).
You and your baby deserve to feel supported, informed, and cared for.
If your baby’s oral function shows signs of restriction, I’ll guide you with suggestions and trusted referrals to providers who specialize in oral assessments and releases. Together, we’ll work toward better feeding, comfort, and connection.
At Sacred Mama Denver, I offer prenatal lactation consults, postpartum support, and flange fittings—alongside therapeutic bodywork that helps you feel whole in this season of life.
BTW— I am partnered with TLN- they handle the insurance stuff so we don’t have to!!
Most insurance companies participate, the form is simple and you are covered- zero out of your pocket! AND most policies cover up to seven visits!!! yessss mamas— you deserve to be cared for, prepared, and receive the help you need, when you need it! To check your eligibility and get all squared up for our visit CLICK HERE!