The clinical term is ankyloglossia, and while we all have a frenulum (the thin piece of tissue under the tongue), in some babies it’s too tight or thick, restricting tongue movement. Estimates vary, but between 4–10% of babies are born with some degree of tongue tie.

Many babies with tongue ties never experience any problems—bodies can adapt—but others struggle with feeding, speech, or even sleep and digestion. This condition can run in families, so if you had feeding difficulties as a baby, it might be worth checking your own child’s tongue.

It’s important to note: a good breastfeeding latch can still mask a tongue-tie, so if you’re struggling, don’t second-guess yourself—ask for help.

Diagnosing a tongue tie isn’t as simple as just looking under the tongue—it’s about function. Is your baby able to lift, extend, or cup their tongue? Can they stay latched on, or do they slip off?

Mirka uses tools like the Hazelbaker Assessment Tool to evaluate how the tongue moves, not just how it looks. She also observes a full feed and takes a complete history before making any recommendations.

Tongue ties are classified by type (from easy-to-spot anterior ties to harder-to-see posterior ones), and only after functional assessment might a procedure be considered.

If you live in the Geneva area, you can take your baby to Lefko Clinic for tongue tie assessment.

If your baby is feeding well, no treatment is needed. But if you’re struggling, here are some steps:

1. Work with a lactation consultant or midwife to adjust positioning and improve latch.
2. Consider bodywork—Mirka always refers families to an osteopath or chiropractor before considering a division to ensure tension in the body isn’t contributing to the issue.
3. If necessary, a frenotomy (tongue tie division) can be performed using scissors or laser. It’s a quick procedure—often no anaesthesia is used—and most babies are comforted by breastfeeding immediately after.

The risks are low but important to know the risks associated with the procedure:

• Infection (1 in 10,000)
• Temporary bleeding (stopped by feeding)
• Pain or difficulty feeding for a few days post-op
• 4% chance of the frenulum reattaching (doing tongue exercises post-op helps prevent this)

And the results? About 70% of babies show noticeable improvement after a division, often within days.

Tongue tie can be an invisible barrier to breastfeeding success, and many parents don’t hear about it until they’re in the thick of feeding challenges. The good news? There’s support.

Whether it’s adjusting positioning, reassessing the latch, or—when appropriate—considering a frenotomy, there are steps you can take to make feeding more comfortable for both you and your baby.

If this resonates with your experience or you’re unsure about your baby’s feeding journey, seek out a knowledgeable lactation consultant, midwife, or paediatric provider.

You’re not alone, and help is out there.