Tongue-tie division after-care

Information for parents

Infant Feeding Clinic

What is this information about?

This information is about how to care for your baby after they have had a tongue-tie division. 

It explains: 

• what the wound may look like and how your baby may feel 
• signs of infection and when to seek help 
• what to expect with bleeding 
• how to do tongue exercises with your baby 
• how to support breastfeeding 
• where to get support. 

Why have I been given this information?

You have been given this information to help you care for your baby safely after the procedure. 

Following this advice can help support healing, improve feeding, and help your baby feel more comfortable. 

What will the wound look like and will my baby be uncomfortable?

A small white or yellow patch may appear under your baby’s tongue within 24 hours. 

It is often diamond-shaped. This is part of healing. It should improve over the next few days. 

Your baby may be a bit unsettled after the procedure. This usually settles within 24 hours. 

You can comfort your baby with feeding, skin-to-skin contact, and cuddles. 

What signs of infection should I look out for?

Infection is rare after tongue-tie division. Seek urgent medical help from your nearest A&E if you are concerned in the first few days.

Get urgent help if your baby:

• has a high temperature (38°C or above) 
• is not feeding 
• is very sleepy 
• Is very unsettled 
• looks pale 
• has rapid breathing 
• appears floppy 

Is bleeding usual after the procedure?

You may notice some blood which can show as: 

• a pink or brown tinge in vomit or milk shortly after the procedure 
• a small dark streak in your baby’s poo (stool, faeces). 

This can happen if your baby has swallowed a small amount of blood and is not usually something to worry about. 

Before you leave after the procedure, the practitioner will check there is no active bleeding.

What should I do if bleeding starts again?

Try feeding your baby. 

If your baby will not feed: 

• encourage them to suck on a clean finger. 
• apply firm pressure under the tongue for 10 minutes using clean gauze or cloth. 

If bleeding continues or you are concerned:

Do I need to do tongue exercises with my baby?

Yes. Doing tongue exercises can help improve your baby’s tongue movement. The exercises should be gentle and not unpleasant for your baby. You can try to make them fun to do together. 

• Start on the day of the procedure and do the exercises: 
  • with every feed for 2 to 3 days 
  • then 3 to 6 times a day for 2 to 3 weeks. 
• Do wash your hands well before you put your fingers in your baby’s mouth. If you have warts or cold sores do wear clean, latex-free medical gloves. 

What tongue exercises should I do with my baby?

1. Starting at the front of the mouth, move your finger back along your baby’s lower gum. Next, gently push against the side of their tongue. This will encourage your baby to move their tongue to that side. Do this twice on both sides of their mouth. 
2. Gently rub your baby’s upper and lower gums with your finger as though you are brushing their teeth. 
3. If your baby gags easily, gently rub your finger along the roof of their mouth, side-to-side. This will help to slowly lessen their gag reflex.   
4. Let your baby suck your finger, pad side up. Gently pull your finger back from their mouth against their sucking (like a ‘tug of war’).  
5. When your baby is sleeping, gently press down on their chin for a few seconds to open their mouth. This can gently stretch their tongue.  
6. For slightly older babies, stick your tongue out at your baby. This may make them try to copy you and stretch their own tongue. 

How can I support breastfeeding after the procedure?

Do use skin-to-skin and laid-back breastfeeding as often as you can. This can:  

• calm your baby 
• support their feeding reflexes such as rooting, sucking and pushing their tongue out when their lips are touched 
• help you to produce milk. 

What tips can help with skin-to-skin and laid-back breastfeeding?

• Lean back supported with pillows 
• Place your baby: 
  • on your bare chest (in a nappy) 
  • just below your breast so they can move up to it 
• Keep your baby’s back warm with a blanket if needed. 

Will my baby feeding improve straight away?

Some babies improve quickly. Others take longer and improve as they adjust to moving their tongue more. You may notice your baby moves their tongue more and latch better over several feeds. 

If your baby’s feeding does not improve try:

• expressing milk so that you maintain supply and are comfortable 
• seeking support from your midwife, health visitor, or local breastfeeding group. 

Are there breastfeeding videos that may help?

Yes. Try these videos:

Who can I contact if I need further information or support with feeding my baby after I have read this information?

Find lots of infant feeding resources in our Flying Start padlet: