Is it Tongue-Tie or Body Tension?

“Tongue-tie” is a thick frenulum that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth that limits the function of the tongue. This thickening of the frenulum is a midline deviation that happens early in embryonic development. Tongue-Tie is the most common sign of this midline tension because it is the earliest & most evident sign of this tension in babies. Rarely however is “tongue-tie” the sole cause of feeding challenges and rarely does treating tongue-tie alone, resolve tension that is present throughout the entire body.

Body Tension the is Present throughout the Entire Body can look like:

• C-curve to the body
• Torticollis or One-Sided Head Turning Preference
• Back Arching & Stiffness in the Body
• Tucked Lips when Feeding
• Recessed Jaw
• Misshapen Head
• Gassiness & Clicking at the Breast
• Difficulty Maintaining a Latch.

Our team of CranioSacral Therapists & Lactation Consultants work with the family to assess the whole picture. We assess and address tension throughout the head, neck, mouth, and entire body.   The CranioSacral Rhythm is our diagnostic tool, allowing us to follow the body’s unique treatment plan for each individual baby.

In the world of pediatric medicine the Gold Standard of care is starting with the lowest level of intervention first. CranioSacral Therapy is gentle & non-invasive with profound results.  We believe that releasing oral tension & cranial nerve impingements first, will improve the immediate outcomes of oral releases and in some cases, mitigate the need all together. 

For some babies, the tongue-tie release works like magic and they are able to eat more easily, immediately. Some babies struggle more after the release. When we resolve body tension & Cranial Nerve Impingements prior to the release, we see less instances when babies struggle more after the release

When the bones inside the head and mouth are not aligned properly, they can pinch & compress Cranial nerves that control movement and function of the tongue.

How do I know if it’s a Cranial Nerve Impingement or Tongue-Tie?

Symptoms of Cranial Impingement

• Uncoordinated Suck
• Chomping at the breast
• Can’t seem to find the nipple and latch while at breast
• Tongue Thrusting
• Strong Gag Reflux
• Becomes upset & overstimulated when they try to latch
• Falling asleep after a few sucks
• Tongue can’t elevate to the roof of the mouth or extend past the lips
• Tongue pulls to one side of the mouth
• Back Arching & Crying at the breast

For babies who are experiencing signs of Cranial Nerve Impingement, receiving CranioSacral Therapy prior to an oral release will improve the immediate outcome of the release.

For Families Planning a Tongue-Tie Release:

We recommend 1-2 sessions prior to the release procedures & 1-2 sessions afterwards, as needed.  Babies are much more willing to receive mouth work prior to oral release & wound care procedures.

Care from your Pediatric Dentist and Lactation Consultant is a comprehensive approach to addressing all of the contributing factors impacting a baby’s ability to nurse.

Amanda Glenn is a CranioSacral practitioner who has specialized in working with infants with feeding challenges for over 20 years.

Heather Wright is a Lactation Consultant with over 20 years of experience who is certified in Infant CranioSacral Therapy and specializes in oral assessment & habilitation.

We have supported 100’s of families by creating custom care plans that meet the individual needs of the nursing family, including referrals to knowledgeable PTs, OTs, Webster Certified Chiropractors, Pediatric Dentists, ENTs, Osteopaths, Pediatricians, and other experts in the care of new families, as needed.

We are here to help you, guide you, and care for you and your precious baby during this sensitive time.

We have broken each therapy in several categories to help understand each:

Yes! We are able to accept insurance through The Lactation Network. Heather Wright RN, IBCLC, CST can integrate CranioSacral Therapy into her Lactation Consultations for families who are interested in receiving both services.

Check your coverage with TLN 

We also accept HSA.