Lactation Spot

04/18/2026

“But my pediatrician said my baby doesn’t have a tongue tie.”

This is one of the most common things we hear from families.

When we ask if a full oral motor exam was performed — including using a gloved finger to assess function inside the mouth — the answer is almost always no. In most cases, the mouth was simply looked at, and no restriction was identified.

Here’s the problem:

Tongue tie is not a visual diagnosis. It is a functional diagnosis.

Many providers — including pediatricians, lactation consultants, and even some speech-language pathologists — are not trained in performing comprehensive functional oral assessments. Identifying oral restrictions requires advanced training, clinical skill, and extensive hands-on experience.

It is not possible to accurately diagnose or rule out a restriction by appearance alone.

A proper evaluation must assess:
• Tongue mobility
• Range of motion
• Strength and coordination
• Functional impact on feeding

The presence of a visible frenulum alone does not determine a diagnosis. Many individuals have a visible frenulum with completely normal function.

At the same time, some of the most significant restrictions are not visible at all.

Submucosal (posterior) ties are often hidden beneath the tissue and can only be identified through skilled manual assessment. These are frequently missed — and can significantly impact feeding, cause ni**le pain, reduce milk transfer, and contribute to long-term issues with oral function, airway, and speech.

Every case is different.
A thorough assessment of both structure AND function is essential.

If you suspect a tongue or lip tie, seek out a provider who is specifically trained and experienced in functional oral assessments.

If you have questions, we’re here to help.
Link in bio 🤍
Tag a mama who needs to see this.

02/11/2026

✨🩵✨🩵

12/04/2025

👏🏼This adorable cutie was unable to demonstrate tongue cupping prior to his functional tongue tie release which significantly impacted feeding. More importantly, a release alone would not have created this amazing result.

📅 For several weeks before and after the procedure, our specialized team provided developmentally appropriate oral motor and infant feeding therapy to build tongue elevation, cupping, suction, improve coordination, and strengthen overall feeding efficiency.

Optimal releases and results require far more than passive wound “stretches” - they often require a full functional individualized functional plan to ensure the tongue learns to move with strength, coordination, and to remove any dysfunctional compensations. Our goal isn’t to simply improve feeding, we want to establish a solid functional foundation and prevent further issues down the road!

👩🏻‍⚕️ In infants like the one shown here, an excellent frenectomy outcome requires more than just breastfeeding support or basic suck mechanics. It requires skilled oral motor rehabilitation including pre and post release therapy and targeted neuromuscular re-education to build strength, improve mobility, and re-pattern the muscles for safe, efficient feeding.

The improvements seen in this baby’s lingual cupping resulted from weeks of precise therapeutic intervention designed to retrain the orofacial musculature and build true functional competence. This is the scope of pediatric feeding and swallowing therapy - and it is why infants with these patterns require the clinical expertise of a Speech Pathologist (SLP) with advanced training in Infant Feeding and management of oral restrictions.

🩵 With proper collaboration, timing, preparation, and post-release support, this little one achieved beautiful, functional tongue cupping that now supports more efficient and comfortable feeding.

A release is one step.
Restoring functional feeding skills is the rest.

(Pics shared with consent)

Release by

08/01/2025

TONGUE TIE LINGO - What Does it All Mean?! Many terms are thrown around in the “tongue tie world” and it can get very confusing. Here are some of the most common ones below.

👅LINGUAL FRENULUM: NORMAL TISSUE ATTACHMENT BETWEEN TONGUE AND FLOOR OF MOUTH
👅LABIAL FRENULUM: NORMAL ATTACHMENT BETWEEN LIP AND GUM (Also called Maxillary Freulum)
👅FRENUM & FRENULUM often used interchangeably
👅ANKYLOGLOSSIA: A TIGHT, THICK OR SHORT ORAL FRENULUM CAUSING FUNCTIONAL ISSUES
👅OTHER NAMES FOR ANKYLOGLOSSIA (ORAL RESTRICTIONS, TONGUE TIES, LIP TIES, BUCCAL TIES, TOTS (Tethered Oral Tissues), Posterior Tongue Ties, Anterior Tongue Tie, Mild Tongue Tie. THEY ARE ALL SYNONYMOUS.
👅FRENECTOMY: SURGICAL PROCEDURE TO RELEASE TIES
👅RELEASE: FIRST FRENECTOMY
👅REVISION: REPEAT FRENECTOMIES

Frenulums are formed congenitally in utero. The vast majority of people have a lingual frenulum (the stringy piece of tissue between the tongue and the floor of the mouth). In some people it’s short, others long. In some its thin, others thick. Some stretchy, some not. Or any combination! Having a visible frenulum, does not mean it is restricted. Some frenulums are thin and stretchy and do not impact functional mobility.

However, if the tongue movement/function is restricted, this is when it becomes known as a tongue tie. Oftentimes, the restriction is far back behind the fascia under the tongue, and not visible. These are often referred to as “posterior ties”, and they can severely impact function.

A few things to remember:

* THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A “MILD” tongue tie
* All Anterior Tongue Ties have a Posterior Restriction as well
* Not all Posterior Tongue Ties have an Anterior (visible) attachment. This is why so many go undiagnosed
* Only a very specialized provider is trained to properly identify Ankyloglossia. Most providers only know how to identify the obvious classic “anterior” ties.

Please find a very skilled experienced Speech Pathologist who can properly perform an Oral Functional Assessment. If you do not have one in your area, contact us and we will help guide you in the right direction.

07/19/2025

🚨 Why Babies Need Postural Control Before Starting Solids! 🚨

As a speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist, I see so many parents eager to introduce solids early, especially when their baby seems “big enough” or interested in food. But size doesn’t equal readiness!

Starting solids too early (before ~6 months) can lead to:
❌ Choking & aspiration risks
❌ Excessive gagging & food refusal
❌ Increased risk of pneumonia & respiratory issues
❌ Negative oral experiences → future picky eating
❌ No proven benefit for better sleep (despite the myths!)

🚫 Signs Your Baby is NOT Ready for Solids Yet:
❌ Cannot sit upright with minimal support (slouches, leans, or falls over)
❌ Has weak head & neck control (bobs head, lacks stability)
❌ Still has a strong tongue-thrust reflex (pushes food out with tongue)
❌ Shows little to no interest in food (doesn’t reach for it or turn towards it)
❌ Turns head away or refuses when food is offered
❌ Chokes, gags excessively, or struggles to swallow even small tastes

A baby is ready for solids when they show ALL of these signs:
✅ Sits upright with minimal support (postural stability matters!)
✅ Strong head & neck control
✅ No longer has the tongue-thrust reflex (doesn’t push food out)
✅ Shows interest in food & reaches for it
✅ Opens mouth voluntarily for food

📚 What the Research Says:
➡️ Studies support waiting until ~6 months for safe feeding.
➡️ Postural stability is essential for safe swallowing & airway protection.
➡️ Bigger babies ≠ Ready babies! Readiness is about neuromuscular development, not weight.

👶 Bottom Line: Starting solids before your baby has the strength & control to sit upright increases the risk of choking, feeding aversion, and long-term feeding struggles. Trust your baby’s developmental cues—NOT just their size or age.

💬 Questions? Concerns? Drop them below! ⬇️

02/26/2025

🚨 Why Babies Need Postural Control Before Starting Solids! 🚨

As a speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist, I see so many parents eager to introduce solids early, especially when their baby seems “big enough” or interested in food. But size doesn’t equal readiness!

Starting solids too early (before ~6 months) can lead to:
❌ Choking & aspiration risks
❌ Excessive gagging & food refusal
❌ Increased risk of pneumonia & respiratory issues
❌ Negative oral experiences → future picky eating
❌ No proven benefit for better sleep (despite the myths!)

🚫 Signs Your Baby is NOT Ready for Solids Yet:
❌ Cannot sit upright with minimal support (slouches, leans, or falls over)
❌ Has weak head & neck control (bobs head, lacks stability)
❌ Still has a strong tongue-thrust reflex (pushes food out with tongue)
❌ Shows little to no interest in food (doesn’t reach for it or turn towards it)
❌ Turns head away or refuses when food is offered
❌ Chokes, gags excessively, or struggles to swallow even small tastes

A baby is ready for solids when they show ALL of these signs:
✅ Sits upright with minimal support (postural stability matters!)
✅ Strong head & neck control
✅ No longer has the tongue-thrust reflex (doesn’t push food out)
✅ Shows interest in food & reaches for it
✅ Opens mouth voluntarily for food

📚 What the Research Says:
➡️ Studies support waiting until ~6 months for safe feeding.
➡️ Postural stability is essential for safe swallowing & airway protection.
➡️ Bigger babies ≠ Ready babies! Readiness is about neuromuscular development, not weight.

👶 Bottom Line: Starting solids before your baby has the strength & control to sit upright increases the risk of choking, feeding aversion, and long-term feeding struggles. Trust your baby’s developmental cues—NOT just their size or age.

💬 Questions? Concerns? Drop them below! ⬇️

02/25/2025

TONGUE TIE LINGO - What Does it All Mean?! Many terms are thrown around in the “tongue tie world” and it can get very confusing. Here are some of the most common ones below.

👅LINGUAL FRENULUM: NORMAL TISSUE ATTACHMENT BETWEEN TONGUE AND FLOOR OF MOUTH
👅LABIAL FRENULUM: NORMAL ATTACHMENT BETWEEN LIP AND GUM (Also called Maxillary Freulum)
👅FRENUM & FRENULUM often used interchangeably
👅ANKYLOGLOSSIA: A TIGHT, THICK OR SHORT ORAL FRENULUM CAUSING FUNCTIONAL ISSUES
👅OTHER NAMES FOR ANKYLOGLOSSIA (ORAL RESTRICTIONS, TONGUE TIES, LIP TIES, BUCCAL TIES, TOTS (Tethered Oral Tissues), Posterior Tongue Ties, Anterior Tongue Tie, Mild Tongue Tie. THEY ARE ALL SYNONYMOUS.
👅FRENECTOMY: SURGICAL PROCEDURE TO RELEASE TIES
👅RELEASE: FIRST FRENECTOMY
👅REVISION: REPEAT FRENECTOMIES

Frenulums are formed congenitally in utero. The vast majority of people have a lingual frenulum (the stringy piece of tissue between the tongue and the floor of the mouth). In some people it’s short, others long. In some its thin, others thick. Some stretchy, some not. Or any combination! Having a visible frenulum, does not mean it is restricted. Some frenulums are thin and stretchy and do not impact functional mobility.

However, if the tongue movement/function is restricted, this is when it becomes known as a tongue tie. Oftentimes, the restriction is far back behind the fascia under the tongue, and not visible. These are often referred to as “posterior ties”, and they can severely impact function.

A few things to remember:

* THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A “MILD” tongue tie
* All Anterior Tongue Ties have a Posterior Restriction as well
* Not all Posterior Tongue Ties have an Anterior (visible) attachment. This is why so many go undiagnosed
* Only a very specialized provider is trained to properly identify Ankyloglossia. Most providers only know how to identify the obvious classic “anterior” ties.

Please find a very skilled experienced Speech Pathologist who can properly perform an Oral Functional Assessment. If you do not have one in your area, contact us and we will help guide you in the right direction. We also offer Telehealth Guided Assessments across the US and Internationally.

12/21/2024

💝

12/14/2024

I don’t know who made this, but is pretty great! 💚🧙‍♀️

✨ The Power of Myofunctional Therapy in Transforming Facial Harmony ✨

Myofunctional Therapy is powerful! Proper tongue posture and balanced orofacial muscles play a significant role in influencing facial structure. Myofunctional therapy focuses on correcting dysfunctional habits that impact the shape and balance of the face. 🧠💡

How it works:
1️⃣ Improved Tongue Posture: Encouraging the tongue to rest on the roof of the mouth supports proper facial development and alignment.
2️⃣ Muscle Balance: Strengthening and coordinating the orofacial muscles helps achieve symmetry and enhance facial aesthetics.
3️⃣ Breathing Optimization: Training nasal breathing reduces strain on facial muscles, promoting more defined and harmonious features.

The results? A more balanced facial structure, improved functionality, and even enhanced confidence. 💪✨ Call Myofunctional Spot to schedule your assessment! Link in bio

12/13/2024

12/13/2024

🤍🤱🏻🤍 So grateful for our team and the wonderful families that we support

12/11/2024