Why therapy before a tongue-tie release is important for your baby’s success
A tongue-tie release or frenectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing tissue from under the tongue, this tissue is known as a frenulum. This frenulum under the tongue can impede the tongues movement, causing what people often refer to as a “tongue-tie”. A tongue-tie can cause feeding issues, speech challenges, and even problems with breathing and sleeping as they grow. While a tongue-tie release (frenectomy) may be one piece of the puzzle, many parents don’t realize that pre-release therapy is crucial for achieving optimal results.
What Is Pre-release Therapy?
Pre-release therapy incorporates specialized techniques designed to prepare your baby’s mouth, tongue, and body for the tongue-tie release “frenectomy”. It involves working on oral motor skills, body tension, reflexes, and sensory issues that might make feeding or healing after the procedure more difficult. Think of it like stretching before a big workout—your baby’s body needs to be ready for the change the tongue-tie release “frenectomy” will bring.
A tongue-tie release only changes the structure of the mouth; it doesn’t change the altered movement patterns your baby has been using since before birth. That’s why the work you put in with your baby before the release is so important. It’s this effort that retrains the muscles and brain to allow your baby’s new found range of motion after a tongue-tie release.
Why Is It Important?
Improves Muscle Readiness
A tight frenulum can cause the tongue and other muscles in your baby’s mouth to compensate for the restriction. Pre- release therapy helps strengthen and prepare these muscles, so they’re ready to work properly after the release.Balances Tension in the Body
Babies with a tongue-tie often have tension throughout their bodies, especially in their necks, jaws, and shoulders. Pre- release therapy helps balance this tension, which can improve feeding, comfort, and mobility.Supports Feeding Success
A tongue-tie can make breastfeeding or bottle-feeding challenging. Therapy before the procedure helps your baby practice better sucking, swallowing, and breathing patterns, making feeding easier both before and after the tongue-tie release.Speeds Up Recovery
When your baby’s mouth and body are prepared, they’re likely to recover faster and adapt more easily after the procedure. Pre-release therapy can also reduce the risk of scar tissue or needing a revision (second tongue-tie release).
What Happens in Pre-release Therapy?
Pre-release therapy is led by a specialist trained in infant feeding and oral-motor development, such as an occupational therapist, speech therapist and/or an advanced trained international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). Pre-release therapy should include exercises, like tummy time, gentle stretches, oral motor exercises, and neuromuscular re-education, to help your baby get ready. These activities are simple, but they can make a big difference in your baby’s success.
The Bottom Line
While a tongue-tie release can be life-changing for your baby, pre-release therapy ensures that the procedure is as effective and smooth as possible. It’s a crucial step in giving your baby the tools they need for better feeding, comfort, and overall development. If you’re considering a tongue-tire release for your baby, an evaluation with an infant feeding specialist should be your first stop, don’t rush to release! If you’re considering a tongue-tie release for your baby or need support with feeding challenges, I’m here to help. Reach out today to learn how we can work together to prepare your baby for success and give you peace of mind.
