The Connection Between Tongue Tie, Tension, and Breastfeeding Challenges
Becoming a new parent can be both beautiful and overwhelming, especially when breastfeeding doesn’t go as smoothly as expected. Many local families in DeBary and across Volusia County come to Nurturing Nest Chiropractic after weeks of frustration, seeking answers for painful feeds, shallow latches, and babies who seem to struggle at the breast. One of the most common underlying issues? Tongue tie and tension.
Dr. Taylor, a family chiropractor serving the DeBary community, specializes in gentle care for infants using chiropractic adjustments and Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) with Dr. Sam. Their approach focuses on identifying and easing the root causes of tension so that babies can feed, grow, and rest more comfortably.
Understanding Tongue Tie
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the thin piece of tissue under a baby’s tongue (the frenulum) is too tight or short, limiting the tongue’s range of motion. This restriction can make it hard for the baby to latch deeply, draw milk efficiently, and stay comfortable during feeding.
Parents may notice:
- Clicking or smacking sounds while feeding
- Shallow latch or slipping off the breast
- Long, tiring feeding sessions
- Gassiness or fussiness after eating
- Poor weight gain despite frequent feeds
Sometimes, however, the picture is more complex. Dr. Taylor explains that what looks like tongue tie isn’t always caused solely by a tight frenulum. Babies can also have body-wide fascial tension that limits tongue and jaw movement, even when the mouth structures appear normal.
How Body Tension Affects Feeding
Every baby experiences significant pressure during birth. Whether delivered vaginally or by C-section, the baby’s head, neck, and shoulders are under stress as they enter the world. This process can leave areas of tightness or restriction in the fascia, the web-like tissue that connects and supports the entire body.
When that tension settles around the jaw, head, or neck, it can mimic the symptoms of a tongue tie:
- The baby may have trouble opening the mouth wide enough to latch.
- The tongue might not move freely to form a strong seal.
- The baby could tire quickly, gulp air, or become fussy during feeds.
This is where Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) with Dr. Sam and gentle chiropractic care make a difference. These therapies aim to release built-up tension in the body, helping the baby move and feed more naturally, without discomfort.
The Breastfeeding Connection
Successful breastfeeding depends on coordination between the tongue, jaw, and neck. If one part isn’t functioning freely, feeding becomes difficult for both mother and baby.
Some common signs of oral tension include:
- Nipple pain or compression lines after feeding
- Baby clicking or losing suction
- Shallow latch or incomplete milk transfer
- Reflux or frequent spit-up
- Preference for one breast or feeding position
At Nurturing Nest Chiropractic, Dr. Taylor works closely with local lactation consultants to ensure each family receives complete, coordinated care. Sometimes, a baby benefits from CFT and gentle chiropractic before considering a tongue tie release (frenectomy). Other times, bodywork supports healing after a release to prevent reattachment and improve function.
How Nurturing Nest Chiropractic Supports Babies
At Nurturing Nest Chiropractic in DeBary, baby care sessions are calm, gentle, and guided by the infant’s comfort. Dr. Taylor and Dr. Sam combine chiropractic adjustments with Craniosacral Fascial Therapy to restore balance in the baby’s body.
CFT involves light touch to help unwind tight fascial patterns from birth or early tension. Parents often describe the sessions as peaceful, and many babies relax or even fall asleep during the process.
Benefits families notice include:
- Easier, deeper latch
- Less gassiness or reflux
- Longer, more efficient feeds
- Calmer sleep patterns
- Improved head and neck mobility
Dr. Taylor also provides postpartum chiropractic and lactation support for mothers, recognizing that both members of the feeding pair need care to thrive.
For ongoing wellness, Nurturing Nest offers:
- Postpartum Packages: 6 visits for $470 or 12 visits for $650 (includes lactation consultation and Mom & Baby CFT session)
- CFT Packages: 5 sessions for $425 or 10 sessions for $750
These packages make it simple for local families to receive the continued support they need in the early months of life.
A Holistic, Local Approach to Feeding Wellness
Families from DeBary, Deltona, Orange City, Lake Mary, DeLand, and surrounding Volusia County visit Nurturing Nest for comprehensive, family-centered care. The practice collaborates with local birth professionals, midwives, pediatricians, and lactation consultants to ensure each baby’s needs are addressed fully.
Dr. Taylor emphasizes that the goal isn’t only to treat symptoms but to help babies develop relaxed, balanced movement throughout their bodies. When the body is at ease, feeding often follows.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if my baby’s tongue tie is affecting breastfeeding?
If your baby struggles to maintain a deep latch, makes clicking sounds, or tires quickly while feeding, tension or tongue restriction may be part of the problem. A feeding assessment by a oralmotor therapist and a gentle exam with Dr. Taylor can help identify the cause.
Q: Does my baby need a release (frenectomy)?
Not always. Some babies improve significantly with CFT and chiropractic alone. If a release is needed, bodywork before and after helps ensure better healing and tongue function.
Q: What’s the difference between chiropractic and CFT?
Chiropractic adjustments restore motion in the spine and joints, supporting the nervous system. CFT, provided by Dr. Sam, addresses the fascia, the connective tissue that influences movement and function throughout the body. Together, they help release deep tension patterns that affect feeding and comfort.
Q: Can I bring my baby if they’ve already had a tongue tie release?
Absolutely. Post-release care is an important step in preventing reattachment and promoting full tongue mobility. Dr. Taylor and Dr. Sam often see babies for follow-up care to support feeding progress.
Supporting Your Baby’s Feeding Journey
Breastfeeding challenges can feel discouraging, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. With compassionate guidance and gentle care, many families find relief and renewed confidence in feeding.
If your baby is showing signs of tongue tie, tension, or difficulty latching, Nurturing Nest Chiropractic offers the expertise and support you need right here in DeBary.
Ready to support your family’s wellness journey? Schedule your next visit with Nurturing Nest Chiropractic today or call 386-243-0224 to learn more about our family care options.