02/06/2026
Assessing for oral ties is much more than taking a peek under a baby's tongue. Oral ties should be assessed by someone with advanced training, such as an IBCLC.
📄One of the first steps I take when assessing for ties is to gather a thorough intake and history. I learn about what symptoms the dyad (mom and baby) are having. This can give clues to what could be going on.
🤱Next, it is important to observe a feeding at the breast. Is the baby positioned well? Does the baby have postural stability? Is mom comfortable? Can latching be easier for mom and baby to help the mouth work better and decrease compensations?
👅The last step is to physically perform an oral assessment. This entails observing reflexes in the baby's mouth, looking at the 7 frena (under each lip, top and bottom cheeks and under the tongue), and feeling the tension with my finger in those areas.
😷As you can see, just *peeking* in a baby's mouth doesn't cut it. If you and/or your baby are having symptoms and your healthcare provider tells you there are no ties without going through the above steps - time for a second opinion!
*Just my opinion*😉