The Truth About Tongue Ties — And Why They Matter for Breastfeeding 

Episode 10 of Chillin’ with Ceres Chill 
Guest: Angela Das, IBCLC + Founder of Motherhood Untamed 

Tongue ties are a hot topic in both parenting circles and the medical world—but what’s really going on? Are they overdiagnosed? Underrecognized? And why do so many parents feel like a ping pong ball bounced between conflicting provider opinions? 

In this powerful episode of Chillin’ with Ceres Chill, we explore the science and emotion of oral restrictions with Angela Das, IBCLC and founder of Motherhood Untamed. A mom of two, Angela shares how her personal breastfeeding journey with her children, Kolten and Gabby, sparked her passion for tongue tie awareness, functional feeding assessments, and providing truly supportive care to families. 

Catch the YouTube version here! 

Listen to the Spotify version here!

What Is a Tongue Tie? 

Angela explains that all humans have frenula—the connective tissue under the tongue, lips, and cheeks. An oral tie (including tongue, lip, or buccal/cheek ties) becomes a problem when this tissue restricts mobility and function—limiting a baby’s ability to feed effectively. 

While the American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that 4–11% of babies are born with tongue ties, the prevalence is significantly higher—up to 70%—among infants experiencing feeding difficulties. Angela notes that for many IBCLCs, most clients seeking help already fall into this category. 

Why Tongue Ties Matter for Feeding 

You may have heard, “It’s not a problem if the baby is gaining weight.” But weight gain doesn’t always mean feeding is going well. Tongue ties can affect far more than just feeding—they can impact airway development, digestion, speech, and more. 

Signs & Symptoms to Look For: 

In moms: 

In babies: 

Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or bottle-feeding, oral restrictions can make the journey harder than it needs to be. Angela offers a helpful Symptom Tracker to guide parents through what to look for. 

The Diagnosis Dilemma 

So why is tongue tie such a polarizing topic? Angela doesn’t shy away from the controversy. 

She explains that many ties go unrecognized or misdiagnosed. Some providers dismiss painful or exhausting feeding challenges, recommending pumping or bottle-feeding as a workaround. Others may jump to label a “tie” without assessing oral function, body tension, or overall feeding dynamics. 

Angela stresses the importance of working with: 

A big red flag? If a provider only asks your baby to stick out their tongue without evaluating full oral function like tongue elevation, lateral movement, or coordination—they may not be qualified to assess a tongue tie. 

And remember: it’s okay to seek a second opinion if you’re not getting the answers or support you need. 

Frenotomy Is Not a Magic Wand 

Tongue tie releases (called frenotomies) can be incredibly helpful—but Angela makes it clear: they are not a one-step fix. 

Without: 

...a release alone may not solve the issue—and the emotional toll of being unprepared can be significant. 

Having a support team—IBCLCs, bodyworkers, feeding therapists, and compassionate providers—can make all the difference in navigating this process with confidence. 

How Parents Can Advocate for Support 

Many parents struggling with tongue ties report feeling dismissed or confused. Angela urges families to trust their instincts and seek out knowledgeable, collaborative providers. 

Look for professionals who offer: 

And most importantly, remember: you’re the expert on your baby. 

“Parents drive the car,” Angela says. “I’m just a semi-noisy passenger helping you map it out.” 

Angela’s Go-To Resources for Tongue Tie Support: