Question 1

What is a tongue tie?

Accepted Answer

A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) happens when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth restricts tongue movement. Some have little impact on feeding; others can affect latch, milk transfer, and your comfort. The key question isn't whether a tie exists, but whether it's actually affecting function.

Question 2

What is a lip tie?

Accepted Answer

A lip tie is when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums limits lip mobility. Like tongue ties, some have little effect on feeding while others can contribute to challenges. A feeding assessment helps determine whether a lip tie is functionally significant.

Question 3

How do I know if my baby has a tongue tie?

Accepted Answer

A visual look alone often isn't enough. A tongue tie is best evaluated by looking at both anatomy and feeding function — an IBCLC can assess tongue movement, latch, milk transfer, and feeding patterns to see whether a tie may be contributing to your baby's difficulties.

Question 4

What are the signs of a tongue tie in a breastfed baby?

Accepted Answer

Possible signs include trouble staying latched, clicking during feeds, long feedings, slow weight gain, gassiness, frustration at the breast, and nipple pain. But these can all happen for other reasons too, which is exactly why a full feeding assessment matters before concluding it's a tie.

Question 5

What are the signs of a lip tie?

Accepted Answer

Families sometimes notice trouble getting a deep latch, extra air intake during feeding, milk leaking from the corners of the mouth, or general feeding inefficiency. As with tongue ties, a lip tie should be judged by how feeding actually works, not by appearance alone.

Question 6

Can a tongue tie cause painful breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Restricted tongue movement can make it hard for a baby to keep an effective latch, which may lead to nipple pain, pinching, or tissue damage.

Question 7

Can a tongue tie affect milk supply?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. If a baby can't remove milk effectively, supply can gradually decline. But low supply has many possible causes, and a tongue tie is only one of them.

Question 8

Can a tongue tie affect weight gain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Inefficient milk transfer from an oral-function issue can sometimes contribute to slow weight gain. Weight concerns should always be evaluated comprehensively, since several factors can be involved.

Question 9

Can a tongue tie cause bottle-feeding problems?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Tongue ties are most often discussed with breastfeeding, but oral function can also affect bottle feeding, suction, and milk transfer.

Question 10

Do all tongue ties need to be released?

Accepted Answer

No. Many babies with tongue ties feed effectively and never need treatment. Decisions should be based on feeding function, symptoms, milk transfer, growth, and your family's goals — not on the appearance of the frenulum alone.

Question 11

How do I know if my baby's tongue tie is severe?

Accepted Answer

Appearance doesn't always predict impact. Some babies with significant-looking restrictions feed well, while others with subtle ties struggle. Function usually matters far more than appearance when weighing any treatment decision.

Question 12

What is a frenotomy or tongue tie release?

Accepted Answer

A frenotomy is a procedure that releases the restrictive tissue under the tongue, which can improve mobility and feeding function in some cases. Whether a release is appropriate depends on the individual baby, the feeding challenges, the clinical findings, and your family's goals.

Question 13

Will a tongue tie release automatically fix breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Some families see quick improvement; others still benefit from feeding support, latch adjustments, bodywork, or simply time for feeding to improve. Feeding challenges are often multifactorial, so a release is rarely a guaranteed single fix.

Question 14

Do you diagnose tongue ties?

Accepted Answer

IBCLCs assess oral function and how it affects feeding — we don't make the formal medical diagnosis or perform releases. When a formal diagnosis or procedure may be needed, we refer you to the right provider (typically a pediatrician, ENT, or pediatric dentist) and support your baby's feeding throughout.

Question 15

Do you work with pediatric dentists, ENTs, and other specialists?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When appropriate, North Shore Lactation collaborates with pediatricians, ENTs, pediatric dentists, speech-language pathologists, bodyworkers, and other providers so your family gets coordinated, evidence-based care.

Question 16

What happens during a tongue tie evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Your IBCLC assesses feeding history, latch, milk transfer, your symptoms, tongue mobility, oral function, and growth. The goal is to understand how your baby actually feeds — not simply whether a tie is present.

Question 17

What happens after a tongue tie consultation?

Accepted Answer

You'll leave with a personalized assessment, practical recommendations, and a clear plan for your baby's feeding. Depending on the findings, that may include feeding adjustments, pumping support, follow-up care, specialist referrals, or continued monitoring.

Question 18

Do you offer in-home tongue tie evaluations in Chicago and the suburbs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. North Shore Lactation provides in-home lactation consultations throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, along with clinic and virtual visits depending on your family's needs and preferences.

Question 19

Is a tongue tie consultation covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Many insurance plans cover lactation consultations for breastfeeding challenges, latch difficulties, milk-transfer concerns, and tongue ties. North Shore Lactation is in-network with several major insurance providers, and many eligible families pay $0 out-of-pocket for visits with an IBCLC. You can use our Check My Coverage tool to verify your eligibility and benefits.

Question 20

Do you offer same-day tongue tie consultations in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Yes. North Shore Lactation frequently offers same-day and next-day appointments for families throughout Chicagoland seeking answers about tongue ties, lip ties, latch difficulties, and feeding concerns. Availability may vary based on scheduling and location.

Concerned About Tongue or Lip Tie? Get Expert Help From Chicagoland's Most Trusted Team of IBCLCs.

Could a Tongue or Lip Tie Be Affecting Feeding?

Breastfeeding is Painful

Your Baby Struggles to Stay Latched

Feedings Take a Very Long Time

You Hear Clicking During Feedings

Slow Weight Gain

Feeding Feels Like a Constant Struggle

Not Every Feeding Problem Is a Tongue Tie

Personalized Tongue & Lip Tie Support From Experienced IBCLCs

Comprehensive Feeding Assessment

Oral Function Evaluation

Milk Transfer & Weight Assessment

Personalized Feeding Plan

Collaboration With Your Care Team

Written Findings & Next Steps

Tongue & Lip Tie Success Stories From Chicagoland Families

When Should You Reach Out for Help?

It's worth reaching out if:

Proudly Supporting Families Throughout Chicagoland

Commonly Serving Families From:

Your Tongue and Lip Tie Questions, Answered

Concerned About Tongue or Lip Tie? Get Expert Help From Chicagoland's Most Trusted Team of IBCLCs.

Could a Tongue or Lip Tie Be Affecting Feeding?

Breastfeeding is Painful

Your Baby Struggles to Stay Latched

Feedings Take a Very Long Time

You Hear Clicking During Feedings

Slow Weight Gain

Feeding Feels Like a Constant Struggle

Not Every Feeding Problem Is a Tongue Tie

Personalized Tongue & Lip Tie Support From Experienced IBCLCs

Comprehensive Feeding Assessment

Oral Function Evaluation

Milk Transfer & Weight Assessment

Personalized Feeding Plan

Collaboration With Your Care Team

Written Findings & Next Steps

Tongue & Lip Tie Success Stories From Chicagoland Families

When Should You Reach Out for Help?

It's worth reaching out if:

Proudly Supporting Families Throughout Chicagoland

Commonly Serving Families From:

Your Tongue and Lip Tie Questions, Answered

What is a tongue tie?+–

What is a lip tie?+–

How do I know if my baby has a tongue tie?+–

What are the signs of a tongue tie in a breastfed baby?+–

What are the signs of a lip tie?+–

Can a tongue tie cause painful breastfeeding?+–

Can a tongue tie affect milk supply?+–

Can a tongue tie affect weight gain?+–

Can a tongue tie cause bottle-feeding problems?+–

Do all tongue ties need to be released?+–

How do I know if my baby's tongue tie is severe?+–

What is a frenotomy or tongue tie release?+–

Will a tongue tie release automatically fix breastfeeding?+–

Do you diagnose tongue ties?+–

Do you work with pediatric dentists, ENTs, and other specialists?+–

What happens during a tongue tie evaluation?+–

What happens after a tongue tie consultation?+–

Do you offer in-home tongue tie evaluations in Chicago and the suburbs?+–

Is a tongue tie consultation covered by insurance?+–

Do you offer same-day tongue tie consultations in Chicago?+–