Tongue-Tie and Postpartum Depression: What is the Link?

While the joy of having a baby can be something a woman looks forward to throughout her pregnancy, its arrival can spur a new array of emotions that may be unexpected. Postpartum depression is real, and it affects an estimated 10% of new mothers. Part of the mental struggle women experience is the inability to nurse or feed their baby, whether it is due to a lip- or tongue-tie or the psychological toll that occurs in the weeks and months following the birth of their child. Find out if there might be a link between postpartum depression and a child’s restricted lip or tongue tissues.

What Symptoms Form with Postpartum Depression?

In the days, weeks, and months following the arrival of a baby, a woman may begin to experience postpartum depression. What can start as excitement in bringing home a bundle of joy can quickly turn into feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, and even angry.

Some of the most common symptoms associated with postpartum depression include:

• Extreme tiredness and having no energy
• Severe depression and mood swings
• Excessive crying
• Trouble bonding with the baby
• Increased anxiety and/or panic attacks
• Shame and guilt (usually from difficulty nursing)
• Inability to think clearly or concentrate

One of the most difficult aspects of postpartum depression stems from the reality that nursing can be a struggle for many women. When the baby cannot properly latch, they will become fussy, which can increase the symptoms experienced by the mother.

A baby will not only become fussy but also be more likely to experience colic or acid reflux with a lip- or tongue-tie. They may also be unable to gain weight, which can lead to additional stress for both the mother and child.

How Can a Lip- or Tongue-Tie Be Treated?

When a lip- or tongue-tie is causing a baby to struggle with nursing, a frenectomy can be performed to alleviate the issue.

This process involves a skilled professional releasing the restricted band of tissue located behind the upper lip and/or underneath the tongue. Doing so will allow for greater oral function (movement) so that the baby can create a deeper latch when breastfeeding or taking a bottle.

Some experts may use more traditional methods like scalpels and sutures; however, many reach for a soft tissue laser that allows for a faster, more comfortable approach. In minutes, a baby’s lip- or tongue-tie can be revised with minimal bleeding and/or swelling.

This procedure can have a positive effect on not just the baby’s ability to move their tongue and/or lip more freely but also give the mother greater confidence. This, in turn, can help a woman to develop a more positive outlook as well as experience an improved mental state.

When suspecting a lip- or tongue-tie is the problem, it’s best to seek professional treatment as soon as possible. Addressing the issue sooner rather than later not only reduces stress among the mother and baby but also builds a deeper, more confident bond between a woman and her child.

About the Author
Dr. Garcia-DeMartino is a lip and tongue-tie specialist based in Phillipsburg. Attending the International World Clinical Laser Institute, she became an expert in the use of soft tissue and hard tissue lasers. Now, she proudly helps patients suffering from the effects of lip and tongue-ties. If you find that you are suffering from postpartum depression, and your child has restricted bands of tissues that are causing problems with nursing or bottle-feeding, visit our website or call (908) 859-5260.