the tongue-tie
When breastfeeding becomes painful or exhausting
Breastfeeding should not feel permanently painful or stressful. Recurring pain, sore nipples, or your baby's restless feeding behavior are not signs of failure – but rather an indication that it's worth taking a closer look.
Sometimes the cause lies deeper.
For example, in restricted tongue mobility.
I will support you in identifying the cause – calmly, in a structured way, and without jumping to conclusions.
restricted tongue mobility
Possible signs
Not every sign automatically means a shortened tongue-tie. However, several indicators can form a common picture.
For you
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Nipple is heavily compressed after breastfeeding
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Pain during breastfeeding
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Repeated clogged ducts or mastitis
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Breastfeeding feels permanently exhausting
For your baby
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Frequently slips off the breast
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Repeatedly loses the vacuum
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Swallows a lot of air
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Seems restless or frustrated when breastfeeding
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Low or unusually high weight gain
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Tongue remains flat on the floor of the mouth when crying
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Small notch at the tip of the tongue
Ankyloglossia
What is a shortened tongue-tie?
A shortened tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the frenulum under the tongue restricts mobility.
The tongue plays a central role in:
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effective sucking
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swallowing
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breathing
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development of the jaw and palate
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later speech
Restricted mobility can therefore affect not only breastfeeding but also other physical developments.
Finding the cause together
It is important to me not just to treat symptoms, but to identify the underlying cause.
As part of my assessment:
- I observe a breastfeeding session
- I check oral mobility
- I take your entire situation into account
- I discuss possible next steps transparently
Trust your gut – if something doesn't feel right, it's worth taking a closer look.
support from a to z
Procedure for oral restrictions
Should the suspicion of a shortened tongue-tie be confirmed, I will guide you through the next steps in a structured way.
This includes:
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careful assessment
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interdisciplinary cooperation
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preparation for a possible frenotomy
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support after the procedure
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instruction for specific exercises
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breastfeeding adjustment & pain reduction
Good aftercare is crucial for lasting improvements. I will support you for at least four weeks – and longer if needed.
why this is important
A tongue should be freely movable
The tongue is much more than just a muscle for tasting –
it is part of a complex interplay within the body.
A well-movable tongue supports:
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pain-free and effective breastfeeding
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healthy jaw and palate development
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physiological swallowing
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relaxed breathing
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a harmonious posture
Expert support
Follow-up care following frenectomy
Even after a frenectomy, sensitive and professionally sound support is crucial to ensure that breastfeeding improves in the long term.
I will be there for you and your baby immediately after the procedure and in the weeks that follow. I will help you both to re-establish a comfortable breastfeeding routine and show you how you can actively support the healing process. An important part of this is guided wound care, to ensure that the tissue heals properly and that your baby’s newly regained tongue mobility is maintained.
I also work once a week at Natascha Trapp's paediatric dental practice in Brunnen. This enables me to provide seamless support, in close consultation with the practice, throughout the entire process – from the initial assessment to follow-up care in the patient’s daily life.
The aim is to guide you safely through this delicate process, address any concerns you may have, and help you achieve a more relaxed and pain-free breastfeeding experience, step by step.
Literature
Accompanying PDFs
& Resources for home use
In addition to personalised support, you will receive a selection of PDFs containing clear information and practical guidance on breastfeeding difficulties and tongue-tie.
They help you to better understand how things are connected and give you the confidence to look after your baby even between appointments.
