The Village for Babies with Oral Ties

Why Collaborative Care Matters

When a baby is diagnosed with oral ties—such as tongue, lip, or buccal ties—it can feel overwhelming for families to know where to turn next. Feeding challenges, weight gain concerns, fussiness, sleep disruptions, and developmental delays may all be part of the picture. But here’s the truth: no one provider can address all the complexities that come with oral ties.

That’s why we believe in a village approach—a team of experts who work together to support both baby and family. Each provider plays a critical role in helping your baby thrive. The graphic above highlights the essential components of this collaborative care model.

1. Lactation Support

Lactation consultants (IBCLCs) are often the first to notice oral ties due to feeding struggles like shallow latch, poor milk transfer, or maternal pain. They guide families through feeding adjustments, track baby’s intake and weight, and prepare families for a possible release if needed.

2. Manual Therapies (“Bodywork”)

Bodywork—such as pediatric physical therapy, occupational therapy, infant massage, myofascial release, chiropractic, or craniosacral therapy —helps resolve the compensations babies make due to tight tissues or poor alignment throughout the body. Before and after release, this care helps restore balanced movement patterns through feel good manual techniques.

3. Functional Therapies (OT, PT, SLP)

Beyond bodywork, functional therapists address oral motor and full body movement patterns, sensory processing, neuromuscular re-education and overall developmental milestones. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists (OTs), and pediatric physical therapists (PTs) help build feeding endurance, postural stability, and reflex integration.

4. Family + Community Support

Caring for a baby with feeding challenges can be isolating. That’s why community support—whether through support groups, therapists who truly listen, or peers going through similar journeys—is essential. Parents deserve validation, education, and empowerment along the way.

5. Release Provider

The provider who performs the actual frenectomy (usually a pediatric dentist, ENT, or pediatrician with specialized training) is just one piece of the puzzle. A well-informed release is most successful when it’s done as part of a coordinated plan with proper timing, preparation, and follow-up.

The Bottom Line

Oral ties don’t just impact feeding—they impact the whole body. And healing requires more than just a quick fix. At Progress Through Play, we’re honored to be part of the village for so many babies on this journey.

If you suspect your baby may have oral ties, or if you’ve already begun this path and are looking for collaborative, holistic support—we’re here to help. Let’s build your baby’s village together. Book a one-on-one appointment or come to our free tongue tie support group.

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