CLEVELAND — Johanna Kelley knew almost immediately that breastfeeding her second baby was different from her first.

What You Need To Know

  • Ankyloglossia, commonly known as a tongue tie, is when the frenulum, tissues that connect the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, keep the tongue from moving freely

  • Tongue ties can sometimes cause pain while breastfeeding

  •  A frenotomy is a procedure that involves releasing a tongue tie with scissors or laser to allow for mobility of the tongue

"It was a little different this time,” Kelley said. "I noticed his latch was a little more shallow. It was a little bit more pinchy than the last time, when I had breastfed my daughter.”

Her son Callahan was born on Dec. 13. Before leaving the hospital, doctors told her he might have ankyloglossia, commonly known as a tongue tie.

He needed to break multiple times before getting a full feed in.

A tongue tie is when the frenulum, tissues that connect the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, keep the tongue from moving freely. It was recommended he have a frenotomy. The procedure involves releasing it with scissors or laser to allow for mobility of the tongue.

The most common reason for moms weaning early is pain while breastfeeding or low milk supply, according to Dr. Ann Witt, international board-certified consultation consultant.

“The most common reason for pain while breastfeeding is going to be a need to adjust the latch, but after that is a tongue tie is a common reason for pain,” Witt said.

Frenotomies have been done for a long time. They have been documented as far back as 1679, according to Witt.

She said she advises patients to look at all causes for pain before going this route.

“While tongue ties and ankyloglossia are a cause of pain, it’s really important to start with the foundation of the basics and getting support with latching assistance first,” Witt said.

Callahan had a frenotomy when he was five days old.

“It was less than two minutes. He cried a little bit after but there was no bleeding and I breastfed him immediately after and that calmed him down,” Kelley said.

Callahan’s dad, David Curley, cut the umbilical cord the day he was born. He also held Callahan while the frenotomy was performed.

“Once the baby's out it was a small thing compared to giving birth,” Curley said.

Kelley is grateful Callahan was diagnosed early.

“It’s much easier for me to breastfeed him now because it doesn’t take as long for him to eat. When you’re waking up multiple times at night to feed a baby, it’s helpful,” Kelley said.

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