Ann Marie,
I know I said this before, but I am more convinced now that your little guy has a tongue-tie. All of the 
exercises in the world will not overcome the structural restriction. I do not understand why clipping is not 
the very first thing to be done. I am guessing if it was not addressed, then you may well have seen someone
with no expertise in this particular area.

Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA
Intuitive Parenting Network LLC

Ann Marie writes:

"Joseph took his trip to the Big City (Seattle) yesterday where we spent 1.5 

hours w/ a pediatric OT/PT at Children's Hospital Regional Medical Center 

for his feeding evaluation.



The results showed two significant things:



1) Joseph has underdeveloped ("hypotonic") cheek muscles which prevent him 

from creating the negative suction required to transfer milk from me to him 

when breastfeeding.  This has also meant he cannot maintain a good seal on 

breast or bottle, hence leaking, spilling, spitting of milk.  The cheek 

muscles have gotten this way from lack of/improper use.



2) Joseph has a tongue that bunches up in the middle which causes a reverse 

tongue thrust, thereby compressing the (breast or bottle) nipple between the 

bunched up tongue and the hard palate.   This is part of the reason he has 

had such a shallow latch and obviously why he pushes the nipple out instead 

of pulling it inward.



We have some exercises to do with and in between feeds for the next two 

weeks.  We hope to get those cheek muscles stronger so he can eventually 

transfer milk successfully and help him learn to suckle properly instead of 

tongue thrusting.



(The therapist also thinks Joseph may have silent reflux, so she made him a 

wedge for nighttime sleeping)"














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