Oral Function: Infants + Feeding

At Milk+Honey Lactation & Infant Feeding, we know how overwhelming feeding challenges can feel—especially when you start wondering whether something deeper, like a tongue tie or oral motor issue, may be making breastfeeding harder than it needs to be.
Our goal is simple: to help you understand what’s going on, support your baby’s feeding comfort, and guide you through the next steps with compassion and clarity.

What Is Oral Function & Why Does It Matter?

Oral function refers to how your baby’s tongue, jaw, lips, and cheeks work together during feeding. When everything moves the way it’s supposed to, babies can latch deeply, transfer milk comfortably, protect your supply, and feed without unnecessary effort.

When oral function is limited—whether from a tongue tie, lip tie, tension, or muscle imbalance—you may start to see:

Shallow or painful latch
Clicking, leaking milk, or “slipping” off the breast
Long or inefficient feedings
Poor milk transfer or slow weight gain
Gassiness, reflux-like symptoms, or frustration at the breast
Difficulty transitioning between breast, bottle, or pacifier

These symptoms are not always caused by a tie, but they are clues that something deeper is worth evaluating.

What Is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a structural restriction under the tongue that limits its range of motion. Not all ties cause feeding problems—but when they do, families often notice discomfort, fatigue, or frustration during feeds.

Our job isn’t to diagnose every tie as a problem.

Our job is to ask:
Is this tie affecting feeding, comfort, or oral function?

If the answer is yes, we’ll guide you gently through your options.

Ready for Answers You Can Trust?

Schedule below:

New Patient

Follow-Up (Office)

What We Assess During Your Appointment

During an oral function consultation, our lactation specialists look at:

Tongue mobility and elevation
Suck strength and coordination
Jaw and facial tension
Latch mechanics and milk transfer
Parent comfort and nipple pain
Baby’s ability to feed efficiently and effectively

We take an individualized approach, because no two babies—and no two ties—are the same.

Do All Babies with Tongue Ties Need a Release?

No.
Not every tie needs treatment, and not every feeding challenge requires a frenectomy.

Sometimes the best approach is:

Improving latch technique
Supporting oral motor skills
Adjusting feeding positions
Teaching paced bottle feeding
Strengthening the suck with specific exercises
Coordinating care with bodywork provider

And if we do suspect that a release could help, we’ll guide you step-by-step through choosing a provider, preparing for the procedure, and caring for your baby afterward—always using evidence-based recommendations, never pressure.

Why Lactation Support Matters Before (and After) Release

Releasing a tie without proper feeding support can lead to:

Persistent latch issues
Oral tension returning
Painful feeding
Baby refusing the breast or bottle
Slow recovery
Parents feeling overwhelmed

Our consult gives you the roadmap you need so that, if you pursue a release, your baby is prepared—and so are you.

Compassionate, Non-Judgmental Feeding Support

You deserve answers that make sense.
Your baby deserves a feeding plan that feels comfortable, functional, and sustainable. And no family should feel pressured or confused about treatment options. At Milk+Honey Lactation & Infant Feeding, you get clear guidance, hands-on assessment, and support that prioritizes your baby’s comfort and your feeding goals.

Helpful Resource: Understanding Oral Function in Infants

We’re sharing this video as a helpful resource for families navigating feeding concerns related to oral function—like tongue or lip ties, shallow latch, clicking sounds, or fussiness at the breast or bottle.

This video (created by Milk Matters PT) breaks down:

What oral function concerns can look like
Why they matter for feeding
Signs that may indicate a restriction
The importance of functional assessment

We trust this video to provide clear, compassionate information—and we’re here to support you with any questions or next steps.

🎬 Shared with credit to Milk Matters PT