Tongue Tie Doesn’t Have to End Your Breastfeeding Journey

Feeling overwhelmed and unsure if your baby has a tongue tie? You’re not alone — and you're definitely not crazy for questioning what you're seeing.

One scroll online and you're hit with conflicting messages like:
“They’re not real.” “It’s mild — don’t worry about it.” “Just switch to bottles.”

But you do worry — because feeding doesn’t feel right.
Tongue ties and oral restrictions can limit how your baby moves their tongue, making it hard to transfer milk effectively. That often leads to frustration, pain, and exhaustion for both of you.

I’m Heather, an IBCLC serving Fort Worth families for over a decade. I’ve walked this road — both professionally and personally — and I’m here to help you find real answers and practical support. Whether you're sure it's a tongue tie or just have a gut feeling, you don’t have to figure this out alone.

Let’s find clarity together.
Get compassionate, evidence-based guidance today.

Signs a Tongue Tie Could Be Impacting Feeding

Something feels off. Maybe it’s pain, shallow latch, constant feeding struggles, or a baby who just can’t seem to settle.
You're up at 2 a.m. Googling for help, wondering why this is so hard — and what you’re missing.

Let me just say: You’re not doing anything wrong.

As both a lactation consultant and a mom who's navigated tongue ties with my own kids, I understand how disheartening and confusing this can be. Feeding your baby shouldn't feel like a battle — and it doesn’t have to.

When feeding works better, you both sleep better. Let’s uncover the root cause and help you fall in love with nursing again.

What to Expect During a Consult

Oral Assessment & Lactation Evaluation

During an initial visit, we’ll take an in-depth look at how feeding is going and how your baby’s oral function is playing a role through a full oral exam, a functional feeding assessment, and clear, personalized insight into what’s happening — and what to do about it.

I combine holistic care with evidence-based practices and refer to trusted providers when a release may be helpful. Together, we build a plan that feels right for your family.

Symptoms & Stress — Let’s Talk About It

Baby's Symptoms
Unable to latch
Gagging
Breastfeed often
(because they aren’t getting enough or they're working so hard!)
Reflux
Leaking milk
Feeding’s downright hard

Whether it’s latch pain, fussiness, poor weight gain, or just the nagging feeling that something isn’t right, I want to hear it all.
This is a safe space to share what you’ve been through — and to finally get guidance that connects the dots.

We’ll talk immediate ways to support better feeding, and if needed, I’ll connect you with top release providers who understand how to approach tongue tie with care and precision.

Pre & Post-Procedure Support

If your baby does need a release, you're not left on your own. I walk with you every step of the way.

From prepping for the procedure, to healing timelines, to helping you feel confident with aftercare (like stretches and wound care) — I’ve got you. You’ll know what to expect and how to support your baby through it all.

And yes — you’ll get two full weeks of follow-up support by text, email, or phone, because questions don’t stop after the consult. You’re not just getting an appointment — you’re gaining a partner in your feeding journey.

Ready for Real Answers?

Let’s take the next step — together.
You deserve compassionate, expert care that meets you where you are and helps you move forward with confidence.
Book your consult with Beyond the Breast today.

FAQ's

Will a tongue tie stretch out? 
No, a true tongue tie (restriction of the frenulum/fascia) can not be stretched out. 
We can develop compensations throughout our lives.  Through the aid of bodywork (chiropractic/ myofascial/ craniosacral therapy) we may be able to reduce related tensions or mobility concerns of the tongue and lips.  Restricted fascia (the thin tissue layer that connects your skin, muscles and bones to each other) may hinder movement of the tongue and lips, bodywork can help ease these tensions and improve mobility.

Does it matter who treats my baby?  
Absolutely! We want to work with a team player — a release provider who understands babies, a knowledgeable bodywork provider, and an experienced IBCLC all work together to find what’s best for BOTH parent & baby.
When you work with me, we come up with a detailed game plan. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone during this process.

We can just bottle-feed, right?  
Maybe, maybe not. True restrictions of the mouth and related tissues affect your baby in different ways (ability to eat, spacing of feeds, overall movement, and breathing). 
Bottle feeding may be just as challenging as breast/chest feeding — or even more challenging. It really depends on your baby’s specific case.

If it doesn't hurt to feed, does it mean there's not a tongue tie?  
Not necessarily. Many babies have restrictions that go unnoticed. If your milk supply’s plentiful and easy to stimulate, your baby doesn't have to work very hard to eat.
But that could change in a few weeks or months with a tongue tie. Other causes of concern not related to pain are frequency of feeds, length of feeds, or weight gain problems.
NOTE: You shouldn’t have pain or discomfort while feeding; So if you do, let’s address it.