Tongue Tie Lactation Consultations in Boise

Tongue Tie

When your baby’s small band of tissue (called the frenulum) attaches to the bottom of their mouth more than it should, it’s called a tongue tie. This condition is unique and often misdiagnosed by pediatricians. It makes for a miserable breastfeeding experience, leaving both you and your baby suffering because the tongue can’t move around like it’s supposed to. But there are solutions!


As tongue tie savvy IBCLC’s (international board-certified lactation consultant), we can help educate and assess for ties to help you in your decision making process. We take the stress out of what a tongue-tied baby can bring to the family. With our knowledge and support, you can have a successful nursing journey.

Not Sure If Your Baby Has Tongue Tie?

These Are Common Symptoms You BOTH Might Experience:

Baby Tongue Tie Symptoms

  • Unable to latch

  • Cannot latch deeply

  • Difficulty staying on breast

  • Clicking noise while sucking

  • Choking or gagging

  • Constant breastfeeding (because they can’t get enough)

  • Poor weight gain

  • Fussy at breast

Mother’s Symptoms with a Tongue Tied Baby

  • Painful breastfeeding

  • Damaged or bleeding nipples

  • Engorgement or blocked ducts

  • Oversupply

  • Low milk production

What your Tongue Tie Evaluation Covers

We’ll go over your pregnancy, delivery, and any concerns you have. A tongue tie evaluation provides knowledge in three main areas: anatomy, function, and symptoms. 

We provide breastfeeding support and complete care for your tongue tied baby. We won’t just assess a tongue tie, we offer to facilitate the entire release and aftercare. When you work with us, you won’t have to worry about what to do next.

I look at placement length and thickness of the frenulum (tissue under the tongue), palate shape, and jaw recession. All of these aspects play vital roles in your baby’s ability to properly latch and breastfeed.

Anatomy

Function

A function test with assessment in the mouth allows me to see how the tongue can lateralize, elevate, extend, and if the tongue has good strength. These are important so the baby can get a deep latch and have the strength to pull milk from the breast (or bottle).

Symptoms

Ultimately symptoms are what we need to pay the most attention to, as not all tongue ties are easy to see. It’s important to consider both baby and mom as breastfeeding should not be painful. From bleeding nipples to a screaming baby, I’m here to help.

If your baby needs a tongue tie release, it feels overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to with support from a knowledgeable IBCLC. I’ll stand by your family's side through it all (yes, sometimes even the procedure itself). I facilitate referrals for your baby’s release with specialists in the Boise area.

Pre & Post Care Guidance

Pre and post-exercises for a tongue tie baby and wound management are huge factors in the success. Bodywork can include craniosacral, physical therapy, and chiropractic. Whatever your baby needs, I make sure you have all the resources to succeed.

Get access to our exclusive resources such as over 100 pages of educational information on tongue tie, breastfeeding, sleeping, and more! Get Expert Tongue Tie Care. Feel Empowered With the Right Resources. Enjoy Motherhood!

Client Perks

Ideal wound healing with elongated diamond seen in this picture.

Testimonials

  • “Baby Bonds is fantastic! Melanie's so kind and helpful. She helped me get through a very challenging time with two of my babies who have had tongue ties. Now both of my babies are thriving. I would highly recommend Baby Bonds to help any mama who is struggling to breastfeed. Thanks, Melanie! You are wonderful! :)”

    -Ciera

  • After struggling for 4 weeks with my newborn I posted for help/recommendations in a parenting group which led me to Melanie. My daughter had been checked at the hospital, her pediatrician, and a different lactation consultant who all confirmed she did not have ties... She was screaming all day long every single day. The only time she wasn’t crying was when she was sleeping which seemed like hardly ever. I was to the point of a major breakdown especially with being a FTM. Melanie was able to see us very quickly. She was able to assess and refer us for a tongue tie release. My daughter no longer cries constantly, has been nursing like a champ, & starting to become that happy baby every new mom longs for. Mommy’s trust your instinct- if you think there is something wrong you’re probably right. Melanie is so nice, understanding, & extremely helpful!

    -Erica

  • "Melanie was wonderful to work with! She had answers and insight I was unable to find other places. I’m grateful for her experience, and it made a huge difference. I appreciated she was willing to come to us. It took the stress out of having to pack all the little ones up, find parking, etc. I would definitely recommend Melanie to anyone looking for lactation help. "

    -Andrea H.

  • “Having my daughter was a very big change for me, and I worried constantly about breastfeeding because I had to figure out unique positions for us. Melanie was so very patient with me. She deserves some type of award for how patient she was! She’s very knowledgeable and genuinely cares about her clients. She wants you to succeed and feel confident, not only with breastfeeding but with all things related to being a mom. I definitely recommend her!”

    -Jennie C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Have a question that’s not answered here? Feel reach to reach out!

  • Head on over to my new client page to get started with my easy 5-step process!

  • It depends on your insurance. Up to 6 lactation visits are often covered! Baby Bonds operates with Lactation Network (LN), which works with your insurance. You must apply through the LN.

  • Leaving tongue ties untreated can cause lifelong health issues. Our babies whose parents are open to release and do body work have the most success with breastfeeding — resolving tie symptoms.  

  • Check out my blog post on this topic here.

  • Yes, however, tongue ties aren’t just about breastfeeding. They can affect cranial development, eating solids, speech, sleep, and more.

  • Most of the time, yes. But sometimes due to numbing gel or your baby being upset, they may resist for a few feedings. If there is a ‘feeding strike,’ it rarely lasts more than a few hours.

  • The wound can be manually released for up to a few weeks. Very rarely do we need to do another laser treatment.

  • Yes! Dr. Ghaheri is the leading ENT in the world helping to educate families about tongue ties. Find his BLOG POSTS here.

  • Yes! Believe it or not, I had a tongue tie release as an adult and it worked wonders. It’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about helping families. Read more about it in my blog post here.