Feeding with a tongue tie

[babyday22]

My baby boy is 2 weeks old. After a visit from the health visitor she noticed he has a slight tongue tie, she said it’s not bad at all, he can lift his tongue up and stick it out but he does make a clicking sound when feeding.

He is currently using MAM bottles with teat size 0 as he was dribbling a lot of milk out of his mouth with size 1. Recently I’ve noticed he is gulping the milk and struggling to catch his breath even though I am trying to pace feed him. He seems to rush the milk and sometimes chokes too. I am now so scared when feeding him and I’m on edge constantly and can’t enjoy it.

We have started him on Infacol as he’s getting a lot of trapped wind and crying as I think he’s taking in a lot of air

Has anyone got any tips and wether this is just a normal part of him getting used to feeding and I shouldn’t be worrying as much as I am?

I would strongly advise getting it checked out by a tongue tie specialist as your DS may benefit from getting it divided. DD had a very severe tongue tie and she was basically choking on her milk as she couldn't move her tongue to swallow properly. Noone on the NHS even spotted hers. If you are anywhere near south london, i can recommend someone i used.

The NHS seems to think that bottle feeding babies dont need it divided, but as you are seeing, it can cause feeding to be really unpleasant for them. My experience on the NHS has been woeful, so we went private and it made a big difference to feeds. Would going private be an option for you?

Both my sons had tongue tie and we paid privately to have it removed at 2 wks. it did really help with their latch and the feeding seemed to regulate a bit more

My youngest was a medium severity (pic) in case it helps compare

If he is gaining weight fine and having plenty of wet nappies I wouldn't worry too much.

Congratulations on your baby OP it's a magical but overwhelming time 💙

Another recommendation for getting it checked and possibly divided.

There a list of Tongue Tie Practitioners here.