Bottle feeding and tongue tie

[Missymoo345]

My 10 week old has in the past had full feeds from bottles. He suddenly started to refuse the bottle and recently we’ve been managing to coax him into having them again. He’s not had a full feed (in fact I’m not sure he’s had anything from the bottles at all!) and has only properly latched a couple of times. The other times he’s half latched and sucked but not made any progress on actually getting anything out.

in the meantime I’ve been told he may have tongue and lip tie. He breastfeeds completely fine although does have reflux which I think makes him a bit fussy sometimes.

I just want to know if the tongue tie could be causing sudden issues with bottle feeding, or if those issues would have already been present (ie he wouldn’t have ever been able to do a full bottle feed)? I’m hesitant to get the TT cut given this is the only problem but I equally can’t BF exclusively forever!

I reckon it's down to the tongue tie. You looking in to getting it cut?

Yes have an appointment to have it assessed (and they cut it there and then if so, and if we want it done), just worried about the recovery/pain for him after it and doing stretches for 6 weeks so ideally would avoid it if it’s not due to this

Which bottle brand do you use? I've had to try a few brands. My dd just turned 4 months and struggles to drink from certain bottles. I suspect she is tongue tied too.

Yes TT and lip tie definitely can cause issues with bottle feeding.

MAM but I’ve ordered a few more to try in case he’s just being fussy with this one suddenly

There is minimal recovery and pain from the TT procedure. DS was fed instantly after and was absolutely fine

I don’t know about lip tie if there is a procedure but DD tore hers taking off a polo neck when she was about 10 and it seemed to be fine after.

I know it can cause issues with bottle feeding but would he have previously been able to have a full normal bottle feed multiple times previously if that was the issue? Can it suddenly develop / impact them?

My son had his tongue tie cut and had no issues afterwards and wasn't in much pain. The recovery was quick.

Trouble is I don’t want to bother doing it if it isn’t down to that, so just wondered if he’d have been able to take a bottle before normally if this was the problem?

Also he latched properly the other night, just didn’t seem to actually take anything in! Im
so confused

MAM bottles are usually easy to drink from. Are you using a teat that's slow flow? That can make babies get frustrated and give up. Maybe try size 2?

I really suggest following rockabye reflux on Facebook or Instagram and drop her a message. She's really helpful at explaining tongue ties, reflux, latch issues and you can book a private appointment to see her in her clinic but I'm not sure how much that is. Hope you get sorted soon x

When you go for the assessment they will explain what they can see and how it affects how it impacts his tounge mobility. It's likely it does have an affect on breastfeeding you just may not have noticed. Some babies do very well whilst milk supply is still hormone driven but struggle once it's down to them to drive production. It's not uncommon for mums who have had it cut not thinking things were too bad to find feeds are easier/shorter/ reflux goes completely/ sleep changes.

You can go have the assessment and decide then about having it cut. You can even go away and think about it.

It's worth baring in mind that a tounge tie can affect speech and eating solid foods when he gets older and the procedure is much simpler in a baby (no need for a general) and very well tolerated. Most are more annoyed and being swaddled and held still than they are the cut itself!