Concerned About a Tongue Tie?
Get a Comprehensive Assessment in St. Johns, FL.
As both an IBCLC and Speech-Language Pathologist, I assess oral function and functional feeding skills together so nothing gets missed.
Tongue Tie
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Lip Tie
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St Johns, FL
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Tongue Tie 〰️ Lip Tie 〰️ St Johns, FL 〰️
There’s More to Tongue and Lip Ties Than What You Can See
A tongue tie diagnosis shouldn’t be based on appearance alone. What matters is how your baby is functioning: how they latch, transfer milk, manage a bottle, and coordinate their suck. I assess the whole picture, not just the tie itself, so you can make an informed decision about next steps.
Why My Dual Credential Matters for Tongue and Lip Tie Assessment
Most providers who assess tongue ties are either lactation consultants or feeding therapists, rarely both. As an IBCLC and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, I assess both the lactation side and the oral motor side in a single visit. That means you get a complete picture of what’s affecting feeding without bouncing between multiple providers.
What a Tongue and Lip Tie Assessment Includes
Detailed feeding and medical history.
Oral structure and function assessment.
Breastfeeding or bottle feeding observation.
Weighted feed when appropriate.
Evaluation of suck, swallow, and breathing coordination.
Collaborative treatment plan.
Pre and post release feeding therapy when needed.
Referral to a trusted provider if a release is recommended.
Do All Tongue and Lip Ties Need to be Released?
No and this is something I feel strongly about. Treatment should be based on function, not just what something looks like. If your baby is feeding well and gaining weight, a release may not be necessary. If challenges are present, I’ll walk you through your options and connect you with trusted providers if a referral makes sense.
Signs Your Baby May Have a Tongue or Lip Tie
Painful breastfeeding or shallow latch.
Clicking or popping sounds during feeding.
Excessive gas, reflux, or spit up.
Slow weight gain.
Milk leaking from the corners of the mouth.
Chomping or chewing at the breast or bottle.
Extended feeding times.
Fussiness or frustration at the breast or bottle.
Common Questions about Tongue and Lip Ties
How do I know if my baby has a tongue tie?
Some babies with tongue ties struggle with latch, milk transfer, or cause pain during feeding, but not every tie causes problems. I assess your baby’s oral function and feeding together to help you determine whether further evaluation makes sense.
What happens after a tongue tie release?
Feeding therapy before and after a release is important for the best outcome. I provide oral motor rehabilitation and feeding support to help your baby transition and make the most of the release.
Can a tongue tie affect bottle feeding too?
Yes. Tongue ties can affect both breast and bottle feeding. If your baby is struggling with a bottle- leaking milk, clicking, taking a long time to feed- oral function may be a contributing factor.