Feeding Shouldn't Be a Constant Struggle
Every Baby's Feeding Journey Is Different
Feeding challenges can look very different from one baby to another. Some babies struggle from their very first feeding, while others seem to feed well initially but become increasingly frustrated as they grow. Every baby is unique, which is why we believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to evaluating feeding difficulties or tongue and lip ties.
Some common concerns we evaluate include:
- Difficulty latching
- Painful breastfeeding
- Shallow latch
- Clicking while nursing or bottle feeding
- Frequent loss of suction
- Leaking milk during feeds
- Long feeding sessions
- Falling asleep before completing a feeding
- Poor weight gain
- Gassiness or excessive air intake
- Frequent spit-up or reflux-like symptoms
- Difficulty transferring milk
- Preference for one breast
- Frustration during feeds
- Maternal nipple pain or damage
- Tight jaw or clenched mouth
- Tension throughout the neck or body
One of the most important things we want parents to know is that not every tongue or lip tie needs to be released—and not every feeding difficulty can be solved with bodywork alone.
Some babies have an anatomical restriction that significantly limits tongue mobility and ultimately benefits from a release. Others may have a similar appearing tie but compensate remarkably well, especially when paired with excellent lactation support and an adequate milk supply.
In many cases, conservative care—including chiropractic care, Craniosacral Therapy (CST), bodywork, and guidance from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)—may be an appropriate first step. In other situations, we may recommend further evaluation by an experienced pediatric dentist when we believe a tongue or lip tie is significantly limiting function.
Our goal is never to convince families to pursue or avoid a procedure. Instead, we strive to understand the whole picture—including anatomy, function, feeding mechanics, body tension, growth, and your family's goals—so together we can determine the best path forward for your baby.
Our Philosophy: Every Baby Is Different
One of the most important things we want parents to know is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to infant feeding or tongue ties.
Not every tongue tie needs to be released.
Likewise, not every feeding difficulty can be solved with bodywork alone.
Some babies have an anatomical restriction that significantly limits tongue mobility and ultimately benefits from a release. Others may have a similar appearing tie but compensate remarkably well, especially when paired with excellent lactation support and an adequate milk supply.
In many cases, conservative care—including bodywork, chiropractic care, Craniosacral Therapy, and guidance from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)—may be an appropriate first step. In other situations, we may recommend further evaluation by an experienced pediatric dentist when we believe a tongue or lip tie is significantly limiting function.
Our goal is never to convince families to pursue or avoid a procedure. Our goal is to help parents make informed decisions based on their baby's unique anatomy, function, feeding ability, and overall development.
Looking Beyond the Mouth
A baby's mouth doesn't function in isolation.
Successful feeding depends on coordinated movement of the jaw, tongue, neck, spine, rib cage, diaphragm, and nervous system. When one area isn't functioning efficiently, the entire body often develops compensation patterns.
We commonly see babies with feeding difficulties who also have:
- Torticollis
- Flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly)
- Neck tightness
- Jaw tension
- Difficulty opening their mouth fully
- Body asymmetries
- Generalized stiffness
- Difficulty relaxing during feeds
These compensations often develop because babies are working harder to achieve an effective latch. Rather than simply looking at the mouth, we evaluate how the entire body is contributing to feeding.
Our Collaborative Approach to Care
We believe the best outcomes happen when healthcare providers work together.
Depending on your baby's needs, your care team may include:
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs)
- Pediatricians
- Pediatric dentists experienced in tongue and lip tie evaluations
- Occupational therapists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Other pediatric specialists
We regularly collaborate with these providers to ensure families receive comprehensive, evidence-informed recommendations. Every provider brings a different area of expertise, allowing us to evaluate not only anatomy, but also function, feeding mechanics, growth, development, and family goals.
Our Assessment & Treatment Approach
Every baby receives an individualized evaluation before care begins.
Comprehensive Assessment
We review:
- Pregnancy and birth history
- Feeding history
- Weight gain
- Latch quality
- Bottle or breastfeeding mechanics
- Tongue and lip mobility
- Jaw function
- Neck mobility
- Whole-body movement
- Primitive reflexes
- Fascial tension
- Cranial motion
Gentle Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Infant chiropractic adjustments use extremely gentle, specific contacts to improve healthy motion throughout the spine, ribs, pelvis, and extremities while supporting normal movement and nervous system function.
Craniosacral Therapy & Intraoral Bodywork
Using gentle hands-on techniques—including intraoral treatment when appropriate—we work to reduce tension throughout the jaw, tongue, palate, face, neck, and surrounding tissues. Many babies become more comfortable, organized, and efficient during feeding as unnecessary tension decreases.
Developmental Movement & DNS
Feeding is a developmental skill. We often incorporate age-appropriate positioning, Developmental Neuro Stabilization (DNS) principles, primitive reflex integration, and simple home exercises to reinforce more efficient movement patterns that support feeding and overall development.
Parent Education
Parents play an essential role in every treatment plan. We provide individualized recommendations, positioning strategies, home activities, and referrals when appropriate so families feel confident supporting their baby's progress between visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every tongue tie need to be released?
No. Some babies function very well despite having a visible tongue tie, while others experience significant feeding challenges from even a relatively minor restriction. Our recommendations are based on function—not appearance alone.
Do you perform tongue or lip tie releases?
No. We evaluate movement, tension, feeding mechanics, and oral function, then collaborate with experienced pediatric dentists when a release appears appropriate.
Can bodywork replace a tongue tie release?
Sometimes conservative care is all that's needed, while other babies benefit most from a combination of bodywork before and after a release. Every situation is different, which is why an individualized assessment is so important.
Why is bodywork recommended before or after a release?
Many babies develop compensation patterns long before a release is performed. Gentle chiropractic care, Craniosacral Therapy, and soft tissue techniques can help improve mobility, reduce tension, and support more efficient feeding both before and after a procedure.
Ready to Schedule a Feeding Evaluation?
If your baby is struggling with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, latch, or oral tension—or you've been told your baby may have a tongue or lip tie—we'd love to help.
At City Point Chiropractic, we provide comprehensive evaluations that look beyond the mouth to understand how the entire body contributes to feeding. By combining gentle chiropractic care, Craniosacral Therapy, intraoral bodywork, developmental movement strategies, and collaboration with trusted healthcare providers, we help families make informed decisions that support their baby's growth, comfort, and long-term development.
