IBCLCs Who Specialize in Tongue Tie
Tongue tie affects latch, milk transfer, and weight gain. Find an IBCLC with hands-on tongue tie experience — before and after a frenotomy.
Why Tongue Tie Requires a Specialist
Up to 10% of newborns have some degree of tethered oral tissue. Of those, a significant portion will experience breastfeeding difficulty as a result — often presenting as nipple pain, poor weight gain, or a latch that looks right but feels wrong. General lactation support alone isn't enough. You need an IBCLC who understands the mechanics of tongue function, can assess restriction accurately, and knows how to support feeding recovery whether a release procedure is done or not.
Before a frenotomy: a tongue tie IBCLC can assess severity, help manage feeding in the interim, and connect you with qualified release providers. After a release: they guide the critical stretching and retraining work that turns the procedure into a breastfeeding improvement.
Signs Your Baby May Have Tongue Tie
- •Clicking or smacking sounds during nursing
- •Shallow latch — baby only takes the nipple, not the areola
- •Nipple pain, creasing, or lipstick-shaped nipple after feeds
- •Slow weight gain or failure to regain birth weight by day 10
- •Baby falls asleep at the breast quickly without adequate transfer
- •Excessive gas or colic from swallowing air during feeds
- •Visible heart-shaped or notched tongue tip when baby cries
- •Low milk supply developing after early weeks due to poor stimulation
Not every baby with these symptoms has tongue tie, and not every tongue tie causes all of these symptoms. A skilled IBCLC can do a full oral assessment and help you determine whether a tongue tie evaluation with a specialist makes sense.
Find a Tongue Tie IBCLC
Alisa Williams
Edwardsville, IL
Telehealth availableRhonda L. Chadima
Los Angeles , CA
Telehealth availableDemi Lucas
Purcellville , VA
Telehealth availableSuzanne Juel
Kingwood, TX
Telehealth availableRobbin Swann
Tyler, TX
Amy Sharp
Bellevue, WA
Sabrina Powers
La Habra , CA
Telehealth availableCrystel Corbin
Urbandale, IA
Telehealth availableDanielle Godfrey
Port Orange, FL
Telehealth availableCassandra Brickey
Kingsport , TN
Telehealth availableCassandra Brickey
Hiltons , VA
Telehealth availableAna Grantham
Erie, CO
Telehealth availableGet the right support from day one
Search for an IBCLC near you who has experience with tongue tie — before and after release.
Find an IBCLC Near MeTongue Tie and Breastfeeding: Your Questions Answered
What is tongue tie and how does it affect breastfeeding?
Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition where the lingual frenulum — the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth — is shorter, tighter, or thicker than normal. It restricts tongue movement, which can make it difficult for a baby to latch deeply, sustain suction, or transfer milk effectively. Symptoms in the baby include poor latch, clicking sounds while nursing, slow weight gain, and fatigue during feeds. In the mother: nipple pain, damaged nipple tissue, and low supply from poor milk transfer.
What is a frenotomy and do I need to see an IBCLC afterward?
A frenotomy (also called a frenectomy or tongue tie release) is a simple procedure where a doctor, dentist, or ENT clips or lasers the restrictive frenulum. Yes — seeing an IBCLC after a frenotomy is critical. The release alone doesn't fix the feeding problem. A baby who has compensated for tongue tie develops compensatory oral motor patterns that need to be unlearned. An IBCLC will guide you through aftercare exercises and help re-establish an effective latch.
Can an IBCLC diagnose tongue tie?
IBCLCs are trained to assess tethered oral tissues and can identify functional tongue tie — meaning a restriction that is affecting feeding. However, diagnosis and treatment decisions should be confirmed by a qualified provider (pediatric dentist, ENT, or pediatrician trained in tongue tie). A good IBCLC will refer you to appropriate providers while supporting the breastfeeding relationship throughout.
What should I look for in an IBCLC for tongue tie support?
Look for an IBCLC who explicitly lists tongue tie or tethered oral tissues as a specialty, has experience working alongside tongue tie release providers in your area, and can provide pre- and post-procedure support. Some IBCLCs also have additional training through organizations like the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) or the Tongue Tie Support Parents Community.
Does insurance cover IBCLC visits for tongue tie?
The Affordable Care Act requires most insurance plans to cover lactation counseling and support without cost-sharing. This typically includes tongue tie-related IBCLC visits. Tricare and Medicaid also commonly cover these services. Check with your specific plan and confirm that the IBCLC you choose submits insurance claims.