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Tongue Tie, Latching & Chiropractic in St. Petersburg, FL

When feeding hurts, takes forever or leaves your baby frustrated, it's exhausting for both of you. Latch challenges often involve more than the tongue: tension in your baby's jaw, neck and head can make it hard to open wide and suck well. At Blossom Family Chiropractic in St. Pete, we gently support babies with tongue tie and latching difficulties, before and after a release.
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What is tongue tie?

Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a tight or short band of tissue under the tongue that limits how far the tongue can lift, extend and move. A lip tie is a similar restriction under the upper lip. Both can make it hard for a baby to latch deeply and feed efficiently.

Feeding is one of the most complex jobs a newborn does. Sucking, swallowing and breathing all have to be coordinated by the nervous system and a whole chain of muscles in the jaw, neck and face. When a baby has a tie, they often compensate by clenching the jaw or tightening the neck. Birth stress can add tension there too. That’s why many babies still struggle to feed after a tie is released: the surrounding tension needs support as well.

What are the signs of tongue tie or latch difficulties?

Signs in your baby:

  • A shallow latch or slipping off the breast or bottle
  • Clicking or smacking sounds while feeding
  • Long feeds that never seem to satisfy, or frequent snacking
  • Gassiness, spitting up or reflux
  • Preferring one side or turning the head one way more easily
  • Poor weight gain

Signs in you, mama:

  • Painful, cracked or flattened nipples after feeds
  • Clogged ducts or low supply

Latch challenges often overlap with torticollis, since tight neck muscles can make one side of the breast much harder to feed from.

Tongue Tie & Latching  Often Goes Hand in Hand With

Newborn baby

How does chiropractic help with tongue tie and latching?

Chiropractic doesn’t release a tongue tie. That’s done by a pediatric dentist, ENT or other trained provider. What we do is gently release tension in your baby’s neck, jaw and skull so their body is better able to open, move and coordinate a good latch.

We support babies at every stage: before a release to reduce compensation, after a release to help the body adapt, and in cases where a release isn’t needed but feeding is still hard. We work closely with lactation consultants and release providers to support your feeding goals.

Your baby’s first visit includes a feeding and birth history, a gentle exam of the jaw, neck and spine, and INSiGHT CLA scans. We use soft fingertip pressure, and you’re welcome to feed your baby in our private nursing nook before or after.

We’re located at 360 Central Ave, Suite 1200 in downtown St. Petersburg, easy to reach from anywhere in Pinellas County.

Make Feeding Easier: Schedule a Visit

Why do St. Pete families choose Blossom for feeding challenges?

Our doctors have 250+ hours of ICPA pediatric training, are PX-Docs certified. Our collaborative team looks at the whole feeding picture, not just one piece of it.

“She had reflux (which was actually caused by an undiagnosed/unrevised tongue tie)… After starting care my daughter got much better.”
– Jessica A.

Every child is different, and results vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a chiropractor fix a tongue tie?
No. A chiropractor can’t release a tongue tie. At Blossom Family Chiropractic in St. Petersburg, we support babies by easing the neck, jaw and head tension that often comes with a tie, which can help latch and feeding before and after a release.
Both can help. Many St. Pete lactation consultants and release providers recommend a few visits before the procedure to reduce tension, and follow-up visits afterward to help the body adapt as your baby learns to use their tongue in a new way.
After a release, your baby still has to relearn how to use their tongue, and tension in the jaw, neck and face can linger. Bodywork, suck exercises and lactation support together often help babies make the most of their release.
Yes. We use very light fingertip pressure adapted to your baby’s size, and our doctors have 250+ hours of specialized pediatric training.
The Blossom Family Chiropractic team standing together in the office

PASSIONATE. EXPERIENCED. KNOWLEDGABLE. CARING.

Feeding shouldn't feel like a battle. Let's make it easier.

Schedule a visit at Blossom Family Chiropractic in St. Petersburg, FL today, or call 727-498-5643. You’re doing an amazing job, mama.
Make Feeding Easier: Schedule a Visit