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Tongue and Lip Tie Assessment & Support from Trusted IBCLCs in Middle Tennessee

Evidence-based lactation and feeding care before, during, and after tongue tie release.

Serving families in Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Nolensville, Hendersonville, Spring Hill, Columbia, Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, Gallatin, Cookeville, Goodlettsville, White House, and Smyrna, TN and all across Middle Tennessee.

Could a Tongue or Lip Tie Be Causing Your Baby’s Feeding Problems?

If feeding feels harder than it should be, you’re not imagining it. Many parents notice signs of oral restrictions before there’s a formal diagnosis. At Blessed Beginnings, we start with a full functional feeding assessment to understand how your baby is using their mouth not just what it looks like.

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Ongoing assessments are essential to make sure feeding continues to improve, not just temporarily, but for the long haul. What worked in the newborn phase may need to shift as your baby grows, develops new skills, or begins solids. Ongoing assessments allow us to track oral function over time and make sure feeding continues to improve

When left unaddressed, tongue and lip ties can lead to more than just short-term feeding difficulties. They may contribute to:

  • Shallow or recessed chin development

  • Mouth breathing and poor airway growth

  • Speech sound difficulties or delays

  • Difficulty transitioning to solids

  • Dental spacing and alignment issues

That’s why early functional assessment matters, even if your baby is gaining weight or a provider has said “everything looks normal.”

 

What You Might Notice in Your Baby:

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  • Trouble staying latched

  • Clicking or popping sounds while nursing

  • Leaking milk at the breast or bottle

  • Fussiness, gas, or reflux symptoms

  • Nursing all day or refusing to feed at all

  • Poor weight gain

  • Struggling with a pacifier

  • Mouth breathing

What You Might Notice in Yourself:​

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  • Painful nursing

  • Blistered, cracked, or misshaped nipples

  • Needing to use a nipple shield

  • Frequent plugged ducts or mastitis

  • Low milk supply

  • Feeling stressed, discouraged, or unsure

Newborn Baby

Understanding Oral Ties

Not Every Tie Needs a Release, But Every Baby Deserves a Full Assessment

Tongue, lip, and buccal ties are oral tissue restrictions that can affect how babies feed, breathe, and grow. But not every visible frenula needs treatment.

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Our IBCLCs are trained to assess both the structure and function of your baby’s mouth to determine whether an oral restriction is actually interfering with feeding or development. We focus on your baby’s unique needs not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis.

Why Preparation Matters

At Blessed Beginnings, we believe in preparing babies for success, not just scheduling a procedure.
That’s why we emphasize:
Function before frenectomy.

Before any release, our IBCLCs help you:

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  • Establish a deeper latch and feeding rhythm

  • Understand how your baby uses their tongue and lips

  • Practice gentle oral exercises to support coordination

  • Set realistic expectations for healing and next steps

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We’ve found that bodywork before and after a release plays a significant role in long-term success. More than 95% of our clients benefit from incorporating bodywork, such as gentle craniosacral or fascial therapy, to help release tension, improve mobility, and support overall oral function.

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The more ready your baby is before a procedure, the better the outcome and bodywork is often a key part of that readiness.

Image by Jonathan Borba

What to Expect with Blessed Beginnings
We’re With You Every Step of the Way

A release is not the end; it’s the beginning of functional change.

​Here’s what it typically looks like when you work with us:

Before the Release

  • IBCLC-led oral functional assessment

  • Customized feeding and prep plan

  • Gentle oral exercises to increase readiness

  • Referral to trusted and experienced local providers when needed

Within 72 Hours After Release

  • Lactation consult to assess healing and comfort

  • Latch reinforcement and feeding plan updates

  • Emotional support and troubleshooting

Ongoing Support (Weeks 1–6+)

  • Continued check-ins

  • Care plan adjusted to baby’s healing and function

  • Feeding fine-tuning, oral motor support, and referrals as needed

  • Temporary regression during healing can be common and normal. We guide you through it.

Long-Term Benefits of Oral Tie Release

What Happens When Feeding Feels Better?
A well-supported tongue or lip tie release can make feeding more effective and enjoyable for everyone.

Benefits families often report include:
 

  • Improved latch and milk transfer

  • Less fussing, reflux, or gas

  • Better weight gain

  • More comfortable feeds for the nursing parent

  • Shorter, more efficient feeding sessions

  • Better sleep for baby and you

  • Decreased nipple trauma

  • Greater feeding confidence
     

Your baby deserves function, not just a quick fix.

We’re here to help you get there.

Beyond Breastfeeding: Why Oral Function Still Matters

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Releasing a tie isn’t just about feeding, it’s about long-term function.

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Addressing oral ties early may help prevent:

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  • Speech articulation challenges

  • Difficulty transitioning to solids

  • Ongoing mouth breathing

  • Recessed chin or facial development concerns

  • Tongue thrust during swallowing

  • Dental spacing or alignment issues

  • Picky eating or gagging on textures

  • Poor sleep quality due to restricted airway movement

Tongue or lip ties affect each baby differently. That’s why we take the time to assess oral function and help your family choose the path that feels right for you.

We were initially devastated by the intense pain during breastfeeding and the slow start to my milk supply, but thanks to lactation support with Blessed Beginnings, we went from fearing we wouldn't be able to breastfeed at all to exclusively nursing.
 
We were guided every step of the way, from diagnosing our baby's tongue and lip ties to teaching us proper positioning and exercises, even helping us find a dentist to address the ties.
 
Our consultant stayed with us after the procedure to oversee our baby’s recovery and reassure us of our progress. Her support was invaluable, and we're so grateful she worked with our insurance to make her services accessible. We truly wouldn't be where we are today without her.

Jade B.

Doctor examining baby

If You Decide Not to Pursue a Release

Your Baby.

Your Choice.

Our Ongoing Support.

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At Blessed Beginnings, we know that deciding whether or not to move forward with a tongue or lip tie release is deeply personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all path and we fully support you in making the decision that feels right for your baby and your family.

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You know your baby best. And if you choose to hold off on a release or not pursue one at all we’re still here to help.

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Even without a procedure, many babies benefit from:

  • Customized feeding plans based on your baby’s oral function

  • Adjustments in positioning and latch to improve comfort and efficiency

  • Oral exercises that can support coordination and movement

  • Ongoing lactation support to help you navigate changes with confidence
     

We listen without pressure. We care without judgment.


Our role is to walk with you, offer evidence-based guidance, and support your feeding goals, whatever they may be.

You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s find what works for you and your baby, together.

Tongue & Lip Tie Release FAQs

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