Tongue Problems in Nursing Babies – What You Need to Know

If you’re struggling with latching, pain, or a baby who doesn’t seem satisfied no matter how long they feed, tongue problems could be part of the puzzle. Many moms go through this without even realizing what’s wrong. That’s why this guide exists—to help you understand the signs of tongue-tie and tongue thrust, how they affect feeding, and what you can do to make things better. A little knowledge and the right support can make all the difference.

Understanding Tongue Problems in Babies

The most common issue is a condition known as tongue-tie, also referred to as Ankyloglossia. It occurs when the strip of tissue under your baby’s tongue (called the frenulum) is too tight or short, making it difficult for them to move their tongue as needed (Mayo Clinic).

Babies with tongue problems may show signs like:

• Shallow or painful latch
• Clicking or popping sounds while feeding
• Long feeds with little satisfaction
• Poor weight gain
• Gassiness, fussiness, or reflux-like symptoms
• Flattened or creased nipples after feeding
• Baby pushing the breast out of their mouth
• Heart-shaped or unusually short/large tongue
• Tongue curling up or pulling back during feeding

These are all signs that your baby’s tongue isn’t moving effectively to latch, suck, and transfer milk.

Why Tongue Problems Make Breastfeeding Hard

Feeding is a complex dance of movement and coordination. Your baby needs to lift and move their tongue freely to draw milk out. When tongue movement is restricted, your baby may overuse their gums or lips, leading to nipple pain or poor milk transfer (Cleveland Clinic). That can reduce your supply over time and leave your baby frustrated or tired after feeds.

Some babies also have a tongue-thrust reflex that pushes the tongue outward. This can interfere with latching or even cause your baby to push the nipple out once milk flow slows. This reflex is normal in newborns but can sometimes stick around longer, especially in babies who were born early or have high muscle tone.

Tongue-Tie and When It Matters

Not every baby with a visible tongue-tie needs treatment. What matters most is function—how well your baby can use their tongue, not just how it looks.

Tongue-tie can often be managed without surgery. A skilled lactation consultant can assess how your baby uses their tongue and help adjust latch techniques or positions to improve feeding. For some families, that’s all it takes.

When Treatment Might Help

If latch remains painful, milk transfer is poor, or weight gain stalls—even after expert support—it may be time to consider a simple procedure called a frenotomy. This involves snipping the tight frenulum to free up the tongue. It’s quick, low-risk, and often done right in the office. Still, it’s not a guaranteed fix and usually works best when paired with ongoing breastfeeding support.

Who to Talk to First

Start with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). They’re trained to look beyond the surface and can evaluate both you and your baby together. Pediatricians, pediatric dentists, or ENTs (ear, nose, and throat specialists) may also get involved if a procedure is being considered.

Getting multiple perspectives is often helpful—especially since not all providers have the same training or approach when it comes to tongue problems.

Risk Factors and Related Challenges

Certain factors can make tongue problems more likely or more noticeable:

• Premature birth
• High muscle tone
• Early bottle-feeding or pacifier use
• Anatomical differences like a thick or unusually shaped tongue

Babies who use bottles or pacifiers before six weeks sometimes develop habits that make breastfeeding harder. Artificial nipples don’t fill the mouth the same way, and babies may learn to suck differently—leading to confusion or ineffective latch.

Techniques That Can Help

There are practical, gentle steps you can take right now:

• Positioning: Keep your baby close, with their nose level with your nipple. Try upright or laid-back positions to help gravity support their tongue.
• Wait for a wide mouth: Don’t rush the latch. Wait for your baby to open wide before guiding them to the breast.
• Finger suck practice: Before feeding, let your baby suck on your clean finger with the soft part against their tongue. This helps build tongue awareness and readiness to latch.
• Jaw support: During feeds, gently support your baby’s jaw to help keep their mouth open and steady.
• Switch positions often: If you’re dealing with sore nipples, rotating positions can help avoid repeated pressure on the same area.
• Using a nipple shield: Some parents also use nipple shields as a temporary tool to help babies latch when nothing else is working. This is best done under the guidance of a lactation consultant.

Long-Term Outlook

Will Tongue Problems Affect Speech or Development?

Research hasn’t clearly linked untreated tongue-tie to later speech delays or developmental concerns. Most babies with mild tongue-tie who feed well don’t need treatment and grow up without problems. If tongue movement is still limited later in infancy or toddlerhood, speech therapy or a procedure may be considered.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you suspect tongue problems are affecting nursing, here’s where to start:

1. Reach out to a lactation consultant. They’re your best resource for in-the-moment help.
2. Watch and note feeding patterns. Tracking how often, how long, and how feeding feels will help identify patterns.
3. Limit pacifiers and bottles early on if breastfeeding is your goal—unless medically necessary.
4. Keep asking questions. You know your baby. If something feels off, follow that instinct.

Tongue problems can be frustrating, but they’re not something you have to face alone. With the right help, many babies go on to nurse comfortably.

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References

• Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) — Mayo Clinic (2024)
• Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) — Cleveland Clinic (2024)
• AAP Report on Tongue-Tie Diagnoses — American Academy of Pediatrics (2024)
• Breastfeeding Challenges and Frenotomy — Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2017)
• Positive Parenting Tips for Infants — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023)
• Does Tongue-Tie Interfere With Breastfeeding? — BMJ / Archives of Disease in Childhood (2023)