After Tongue & Lip Tie

Crystal P.

Updated July 02, 2025 20:34

My baby just got his tongue and lip tie fixed. What can I expect these next few days?

It’s great that the tongue and lip tie were discovered and corrected! Since oral ties can affect more than just breastfeeding, your baby may benefit in other areas, such as sleeping, swallowing, oral hygiene, digestion, and even speech later on.

Latching After the Procedure

You can nurse your baby immediately after the procedure. This provides comfort, promotes healing, and can help stop any bleeding.

Some moms notice an immediate improvement in their baby’s ability to latch deeply. Their pain decreases significantly, and their baby can transfer more milk—often leading to an increase in milk supply.

Testimonials

“I am already noticing improved feedings since the tie release yesterday. He’s still re-learning a bit but when he gets it, it's a much more peaceful and comfortable experience for both of us.”

“Baby had his lip tie released today. I noticed an immediate difference. Not sure if it's good yet. I guess I'll see in a few days after he adjusts a bit."

A week later: “He's doing well. I haven't had to supplement formula for 3 days now. He's having 8-10 wet diapers a day.”

However, other moms find that latching gets a bit worse before it gets better. It may take 1–2 weeks for some babies to relearn how to use their tongue and lips with their new mobility. Hang in there—it does get better!

This video demonstrates infant suck training exercises. It can be used to reteach babies, who have had a release, how to use their tongue.

One Mom’s Experience

Hours after the procedure:

“I'm getting so frustrated…I literally can NOT get him to latch—otherwise he just cries.”

1 day post-procedure:

“He takes about 30–45 minutes to even get a good latch. He will try to latch, then screams and unlatches. We basically have to start over until I calm him down and try again. Sometimes he latches good right away and others it's a waiting game.”

2 days post-procedure:

“It’s actually going very well. It took like 5 minutes to get him to latch, and he stayed latched. He latched really easily this morning as well, so maybe it was just taking him some time to relearn.”

“My soreness is finally going away. I still have a little bit but it's not as bad. I think it's slowly getting better. This week was the hardest to get by but if he gets better each day it should be better.”

3 days post-procedure:

“It's going so much better. I've been so relieved! He stayed up most of the night latching and cluster feeding.”

If your baby is struggling to latch, it’s important to protect your milk supply. Pump every 2–3 hours while your baby is relearning and watch for signs that they are getting enough to eat.

Post-Procedure Care & Follow-Up

Your provider will provide aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up to make sure your baby is healing well and there are no complications.

The first couple of days following the procedure may be challenging for you and your baby. Your baby may be more fussy than usual. Ask your doctor if it is safe to give your baby Tylenol for pain. Skin-to-skin contact, extra cuddles, and more frequent nursing can also help soothe your baby.

Talk to your doctor about chiropractic care and myofunctional therapy, which are very beneficial too.

Stretching Exercises & Preventing Reattachment

Your provider will likely send you home with instructions to complete gentle exercises, stretches, or massages to help prevent the tissue from reattaching. These exercises will be tailored to your baby and are the most effective ones to use.

If your provider did not recommend any exercises, ask whether any of the techniques demonstrated in the videos below would be helpful for your baby.

Many providers and lactation consultants find that doing these exercises reduces the risk of tissue reattaching. If the tissue reattaches, a second procedure (called a revision) may be needed.

Stretching exercises are not something most babies enjoy—but thankfully, each session only takes a matter of seconds to a couple of minutes. Be gentle—don’t rub directly on the wound itself, but rather to the sides. Remember, always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare provider, as recommendations can vary based on individual circumstances.

If your provider determines that exercises are not necessary, suck training remains beneficial in all cases.

When Should I do the Exercises?

Try spacing them out throughout the day. Here are some ideas:

During Feedings: Nurse on one side, burp, do the stretches, then nurse on the other side. Your baby will not be overly hungry at this time, and if the exercises upset them, nursing on the second breast will calm them.

During Diaper Changes: If performing exercises makes feeding times too stressful, performing them during diaper changes is a natural time to fit them in.

During Sleep Times: Some parents find success doing exercises while baby is napping.

Many providers recommend doing the stretches 3–4 times a day, beginning several hours to one day after the procedure. The recommended duration ranges from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the healing process. Click here for a basic overview of what tongue and lip tie aftercare looks like, with sample exercises.

General Post-Procedure Exercises:

1 Day After Frenotomy: Video

2 Days After Frenotomy: Video

Few Days After Frenotomy: Video

1 Week After Frenotomy: Video

When to Call the Doctor

A frenotomy (or frenectomy) is considered very safe, and complications are rare. But it’s still important to know what to watch for. Contact your doctor if you notice:

Bleeding
Signs of infection (swelling, pus, fever, etc.)
Scarring or unusual healing
Refusal to nurse or take a bottle
Ongoing pain during breastfeeding

Final Thoughts

Recovering from a tongue or lip tie procedure takes time and patience—for both you and your baby. Some days might feel frustrating, but small improvements will add up quickly. Continue to offer the breast often, follow your provider’s recommendations, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

You're giving your baby a great start by choosing to breastfeed. Hang in there—it truly does get easier!