How Chiropractic Care Can Support Babies with Tongue Tie by Dr. Adrienne McRuvie
If you’re a new parent working through feeding challenges, you may have heard the term tongue tie. This happens when a baby’s tongue is held too tightly by a small band of tissue, making it harder for the tongue to move freely. Tongue ties can affect breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, digestion, and overall comfort for your baby and breastfeeding parent.
Many families are told their baby might need a tongue tie release (or frenectomy). While this procedure can be important, what’s often missed is that chiropractic care can gently support your baby’s body both before and after the release—helping feeding feel smoother and more comfortable.
How Tongue Tie Affects Babies
A tongue tie doesn’t just involve the mouth. Because the tongue connects closely with the jaw, neck, and nervous system, restriction can sometimes lead to:
Trouble latching or staying latched
Extra gas or reflux from swallowing air
Tension in the jaw or face
A preference for turning the head one way
Fussiness during feeds
How Chiropractic Can Help
Pediatric chiropractors use gentle techniques to look at your baby’s spine, jaw, and cranial system. With soft adjustments and light cranial work, chiropractic care can:
Ease tension in the neck, jaw, and shoulders
Support better tongue and jaw movement
Help the nervous system with feeding, swallowing, and digestion
Encourage more balanced, comfortable movement in the body
Parents often notice that babies not only feed more effectively, but also seem calmer and more at ease overall.
Supporting Your Decisions as a Parent
There are many reasons why parents may choose for or against a tongue tie release—and every family’s situation is unique. We respect those choices and support them through a lens of both experience and whole-family wellbeing. Our goal is to help babies and parents alike feel more comfortable, confident, and supported no matter what path you take.
Before and After a Release
Before a release: chiropractic helps the jaw, neck, and tongue tissues relax, so the procedure can be more effective.
After a release: care supports the body as it learns new movement patterns. When paired with oral exercises and guidance from a lactation consultant or speech-language pathologist, babies often adapt more smoothly.
A Helpful Resource
One of the great resources we keep at our clinic is the book Tongue Tied by Richard Baxter. Families often find it helpful for understanding what tongue tie is, what treatment options look like, and how to make informed choices that feel right for both parent and baby.
Gentle Support for You and Your Baby
If feeding feels challenging, you’re not alone. Tongue tie can be tough on both parents and babies—but there are gentle, natural options that can make a difference. Chiropractic care may help release tension, improve comfort, and support your little one’s growth during this stage.