If your baby has recently undergone a tongue-tie release (also called a frenectomy), you might have many concerns about their recovery. You may notice changes in their feeding, sleeping, or general comfort. While the procedure itself is quick, the healing process can take time, and your little one might experience discomfort in the first few days.
With the right care, your baby will soon adjust and enjoy better feeding and tongue movement.
What is a Tongue-Tie Release?
When the band of tissue beneath a baby’s tongue (the frenulum) is excessively tight, it can cause a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia). Later on, this may lead to issues with speech development, bottle-feeding, and nursing.
A tongue-tie release (frenectomy or frenotomy) is a minor surgical procedure where a doctor snips or lasers the tight frenulum, allowing for greater tongue mobility. Healing and adjustment take longer than the treatment itself, which just takes a few minutes.
What to Expect After Tongue-Tie Release in Newborns
Every baby reacts differently to the procedure, but here are some common things you may notice:
- Mild Discomfort or Fussiness – Your baby may be irritable for the first 24 to 72 hours as the area heals.
- Increased Drooling – The mouth produces more saliva during healing, leading to more drooling than usual.
- Temporary Feeding Challenges – Some babies may struggle to latch or suck properly right after the procedure.
- Sleep Disruptions – Due to discomfort, your baby might wake up more frequently than usual.
- Small Blood Spots – Immediately following the surgery, a small amount of bleeding is typical.
As the infant adjusts, these symptoms typically go away in a few days.
How Long Are Babies in Pain After Tongue-Tie Release?
Most babies experience mild discomfort for 1 to 3 days. Some may be fussier than usual, while others recover quickly. The majority of the soreness should go away by the end of the first week. It could take up to two weeks for full healing.
Read more: Upper Lip Tie in Babies
Tips to Comfort Your Infant Following a Tongue-Tie Operation
As a parent, you can help your baby feel comfortable by trying the following soothing techniques:
1. Skin-to-skin contact
When your baby is feeling uncomfortable after the tongue-tie procedure, holding them close to your chest can be incredibly soothing. The warmth from your skin helps them feel safe and secure.. It’s a great way to calm them down and make them feel loved.
2. Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding for Comfort
Feeding your baby can bring them comfort and make them feel relaxed. Breastfeeding is often comforting, but if your baby is having trouble latching onto the breast, try a different position like the laid-back position or the football hold. These positions can help your baby latch more easily.
Making ensuring the nipple flow is ideal is crucial while bottle-feeding. Your infant may find it more difficult to feed if the flow is too fast or too sluggish. Some babies prefer a slower flow after the procedure, so adjust accordingly to keep them calm.
3. Cold Breast Milk or Formula on a Pacifier
If your baby is still feeling a bit sore after the procedure, a cool soothing sensation might help. Your infant can suck on a pacifier that has been dipped in cold formula or breast milk. The cool milk can help relieve the discomfort and give them some relief while they heal.
4. Gentle Oral Exercises and Stretches
To help your baby heal properly and prevent the tongue-tie from reattaching, your doctor might recommend doing some gentle tongue exercises. These can help your baby regain full movement of their tongue. Here are a few easy exercises:
- Lift the tongue gently: Using clean fingers, gently lift your baby’s tongue.
- Encourage side-to-side movement: Gently guide your baby’s tongue from side to side. This helps them move their tongue freely.
- Massage the healing area: Gently rubbing the area where the procedure was done can prevent too much scar tissue from building up.
5. Providing Pain Relief (If Needed)
If your baby seems very uncomfortable after the procedure, it’s okay to ask your pediatrician about giving your baby some pain relief.
Sometimes, a small dose of infant acetaminophen (like Tylenol) can help, but always make sure to follow the correct dosage as recommended by your doctor.
6. Extra Cuddles and Soothing
Sometimes, your baby just needs extra love and attention to feel better. Swaddling your baby in a soft blanket can give them a sense of security, making them feel cozy and calm. Gently rocking your baby or holding them in a comfortable position can also help them relax.
You can try using white noise or playing soft lullabies to create a peaceful and soothing environment for your baby to rest and heal.
Baby Not Sleeping After Tongue-Tie Release: What to Do?
If your baby is having trouble sleeping after the procedure, try:
- Keeping them upright for some time after feeding.
- Swaddling to make them feel secure.
- Soothing them with gentle music or white noise.
- Provide a pacifier for solace.
See your pediatrician if the sleep issues persist for more than a week.
Baby Refusing to Feed After Tongue-Tie Snip
Some babies may struggle to feed after the procedure because they are adjusting to their new tongue movement. Here’s how you can help:
- Be patient: It may take a few days to a week for feeding to improve.
- Try different feeding positions to make latching easier.
- Use a nipple shield if breastfeeding is painful for your baby.
How Long After Tongue-Tie Release Does Feeding Improve?
Feeding usually improves within a few days to a week, but some babies take up to two weeks to fully adjust. If feeding difficulties persist after that, seeking expert assistance from a doctor or lactation consultant may be helpful.
What to Eat After Tongue-Tie Surgery?
If your child is older and eating solids, consider offering:
- Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or applesauce.
- Warm (not hot) soups and smoothies.
- Foods that require minimal chewing.
- Steer clear of meals that may irritate the healing site, such as those that are acidic, spicy, or rough-textured.
For newborns, continue with breast milk or formula as usual.
Final Thoughts
A tongue-tie release can significantly improve your baby’s ability to feed and move their tongue. While the first few days might be challenging, with patience, proper care, and soothing techniques, your baby will soon adjust and feel better.
If you need expert guidance on tongue-tie procedures, recovery, and feeding support, visit Tongue Tie Phoenix for professional care and advice.
People Also Ask!
How long are babies in pain after tongue-tie release?
Babies may feel discomfort for a few days, but it usually gets better within a week.
How to help baby after tongue-tie procedure?
Give your baby gentle soothing, like holding them, feeding them, and offering pain relief as advised by your doctor.
How can I ease my baby’s pain after frenectomy?
Offer comfort by feeding, keeping them close, and following your doctor’s recommendations for pain relief.
Are babies fussy after tongue-tie release?
Yes, babies may be fussy for a short time due to discomfort, but this usually improves quickly.
