Tongue ties are one of the most misunderstood topics in infant feeding and airway health and many parents are left confused, dismissed, or unsure what to do next.
In this episode, Dr. Morgan sits down with IBCLC and craniosacral therapist Lynnelle King to break down the difference between babies who are simply “tight” versus babies who are truly tongue tied, why oral function matters far beyond breastfeeding, and how ties can impact everything from milk transfer and nipple pain to palate development, breathing, sleep, and long-term airway health.
They discuss common signs of oral ties, including clicking while nursing, blistered lips, white-coated tongues, poor milk transfer, gas, tension patterns, and recurring breastfeeding struggles. The conversation also dives into craniosacral therapy, fascial tension, healing after tie releases, timing of releases, and why individualized care matters so much for both mom and baby.
This episode is packed with nuanced discussion for parents trying to decide whether bodywork alone is enough, when a release may actually be necessary, and how to better advocate for yourself if you feel something isn’t right with your baby’s feeding experience.
00:00 Trailer + Intro
00:42 Why Tongue Ties Matter
02:55 Meet IBCLC Lynnelle King
05:40 Finding Lactation Support Before Birth
07:48 What Craniosacral Therapy Is
11:04 Tight vs Tied Explained
12:37 Are Tongue Ties More Common Today?
14:00 Airway Health & Modern Facial Development
15:38 Early Tongue Tie Releases
17:03 Why Tie Releases Aren’t a Quick Fix
18:44 Long-Term Effects of Tongue Ties
21:06 Common Signs of Oral Ties
22:24 High Palates & Airway Development
25:10 Understanding Fascial Tension
32:32 Can Bodywork Alone Fix Tongue Ties?
35:22 Why Lynnelle Only Did Bodywork for 4 Years
36:36 Are Tongue Tie Releases Harmful?
37:50 Why Some Tie Releases “Don’t Work”
41:35 How Tongue Tie Healing Actually Works
44:47 How Providers Assess Tight vs Tied
46:32 Best Timing for a Tongue Tie Release
53:37 The Ideal Window for Treatment
56:32 What Happens If You Wait Too Long
58:29 Why Early Lactation Support Matters
63:00 The Mental Health Impact of Feeding Struggles
64:47 Trusting Your Mother’s Intuition
65:28 Final Thoughts & Resources
Resources From This Episode:
- Breath by James Nestor
- Intake Magnetic Airway Strips
- Strolling Under The Skin YouTube Video
- Lynnelle’s team at Family Seasons
- Follow Lynnelle on Instagram
Other Related Episodes:
Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube
Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram
Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok
Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store
Find more from Dr. Leah:
Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram
Dr. Leah Gordon | Website
Womanhood Wellness | Website
Find more from Dr. Morgan:
Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram
Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website
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