What A Tongue Tie Lactation Consult Includes

We know for a fact YOU know your baby best — we are ready to listen and learn about your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Plus, any concerns you have and what you’ve been struggling with.

• Full Physical Assessment

Assessing the anatomy and function of your baby's mouth is essential when diagnosing a tongue tie. But we go far beyond that because the tongue affects tension, symmetry, and reflexes. This also gives us insight into symptoms and how to help your baby to the fullest.

• Breast & Milk Supply Assessment

Has your supply dropped? It’s not uncommon when your baby has a tongue tie because they can’t effectively latch and remove milk from your breast. When you’re suffering from recurrent breast issues like mastitis, plugged ducts, blebs, pain, and more, it’s important we create a plan for your care too.

• Pre & Post Procedure Support

Both are beneficial in a tongue tie journey and give your baby the best chance of success. We’ve been specially trained in tongue tie oral rehabilitation, which makes us experts, and as experts we are always learning more because we know that this field is always advancing. Pre and post exercises can make or break your tongue tie journey, believe me! As a parent, knowing what to expect eases your concerns, and learning how to help your baby after only empowers you more.

• Provider Collaboration

Tongue tie procedures require experts, and we know a slew of them! Since Katie traveled the country (literally), and met hundreds of specialists who care for tongue ties. We’ll work together for the optimal timing on a tongue tie release because this is essential for ideal healing and function. We will connect you with the best, closest providers to ease your stress. Our care doesn’t end at giving you a referral. We work with the other providers and coordinate care to optimize results. Leave the research up to us, and we’ll all work together to help your family.

BONUS: 2 weeks of email and text support — because we are here to make your life easier! Your questions and concerns are answered quickly to ease your worries.

Let Us Guide Your Baby’s Tongue Tie Journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you sure it’s a tongue tie if my pediatrician or another lactation consultant said it wasn’t?

We don’t like how often we are right, believe me, but it’s possible. It’s sad how frequently parents don’t get answers when it comes to tongue tie from dentists, pediatricians, and other lactation consultants. A functional assessment provides knowledge behind the severity of the tongue tie. Whether in person or virtual, parents get to see it firsthand what a functional assessment looks like.

What makes you different than other IBCLCs?

We are always taking additional classes and working with tongue tie specialists all over the US. Both Katie and Natalie took a specific Oral Habilitation Master Class making us an expert in all types of oral ties and have proudly helped hundreds of families, (ask any IBCLC you’re thinking of working with about this class!). Interestingly, both Katie’s kids had tongue ties as babies (2009 and 2012) and just had releases recently! Now all the gas, puking, and crying when they were babies makes sense. Katie had her own tongue tie released at 44 years old and finally experienced relief from my reflux! And then her lip ties released 2 years later. I have firsthand experience as a mom, nurse, patient and IBCLC who’s helped hundreds of families with tongue tie.

Is there anything we can do to avoid a tongue tie procedure?

We are always here to support parents and completely understand wanting to avoid a procedure on your baby if you can. Bodywork, oral exercises, and rhythmic movements can greatly impact oral function and are always an option. 

We think of it like this — anyone could learn how to use two fingers fused together if they had no choice, but it’s not giving the best overall function for those two fingers. If the tongue doesn’t have the needed range of motion, a positive outcome might be harder to achieve.

How do you set up an appointment with me?

• Select your appointment type.

• Pay if applicable.

• Sign for consent & acknowledgment of HIPPA through secure platform.

• Get Support!

Are online lactation visits covered by insurance?

Cuddles and Milk is In-Network with many insurances- Aetna, AmBetter, UHC, BCBS, Cigna, and many more — reach out to see if yours is covered today. Self-pay, HSA, and flex spending also accepted.

How can I contact you with questions?

Email: Katie@Cuddlesandmilk.com (Owner, Mount Vernon and Virtual).

Natalie@cuddlesandmilk.com (Olympia and Virtual)

Phone/Text: 707-241-3206

Cuddles and Milk Payments, Policies, & HIPPA:

• All visits require a credit card to book.

• Insurance visits require a credit card on file. Your card will not be charged unless you have a copay or cancel without 24 hours notice.

• Cancellations less than 24 hours' notice will be charged the full rate for the booked appointment (and cannot be billed to insurance).

• Non-insurance visits require payment when booking. Check and Credit cards accepted, including FSA and HSA cards. 

• Consent for care must be signed electronically before a visit.

• HIPAA — all conversations with medical information exchanged need to be protected by HIPPA. Cuddles and Milk uses G-suite email as this is HIPPA compliant communication service. Text messages are not HIPPA compliant.

 Tongue tie providers and information: We do NOT recommend going straight to a release provider. Your baby NEEDS oral exercises, rhythmic movements, bodywork and more BEFORE a release. These are here so that you can listen to the podcasts and learn more about tongue tie as you want.

Dr Yazdi at Castro Valley Pediatric Dentistry- Dr Yazdi has been working with TOTs for over 20 years. Dr Yazdi is experienced and truly a caring provider. His frenectomy office has 2 hr appointments, nice breastfeeding chairs and will not rush you out. Dr Yazdi is invested in your success and will be with you in any way he can. Dr Yazdi also highly encourages families to work with an IBCLC before and after the frenectomy and have some body work (Cranial-sacral therapy or chiropractic) to help the baby through the process. Also part of Katie the Traveling LC podcast, episode 3.

Dr Yazdi’s Blog- Dr Yazdi has a very informative blog about TOTs, causes, treatments and more. He is very knowledgable and his blog is evidence based medicine.

Dr Ghaheri of Portland Orgeon- Dr Ghaheri is a parent of tongue tied kids who because a leading specialist in Oregon/Washington. He has trained many providers as well to diagnosis and treat tongue tie. His website is very parent focused with great photos of before and after the procedure, and videos of how to do the exercises.

Dr Jesse Witkoff of Colorado Tongue tie- Dr Witkoff had a thriving Pediatric dental practice that he sold to focus solely on helping patients with tongue tie. Each and everyday he now treats tongue ties, using a CO2 laser, either with a frenectomy or a functional frenuplasty. Also part of Katie the Traveling LC podcast, episode 7

Dr Dale Tylor is an extremely knowledgeable, experienced and compassionate doctor serving the families of the Santa Barbara area with TOTs.  However Dr Tylor is doing much more than that.  As a member of the Board of ENT's, Dr Tylor is using her seat at the table to advocate for all women and children,  for adequate assessment and treatment of tongue and lip ties.  Dr Tylor is extremely knowledgeable and with her MPH in Ankyloglossia she has a unique understanding of the greater health impacts of an untreated tongue tie. Also part of Katie the Traveling LC podcast, episode 12

Dr Alisa Sacker of Team Tongue Tie- Dr Sacker is an MD and IBCLC. After witnessing her daughter’s tie be released and understanding all of the effects it caused, she left her hospital job and started Team Tongue Tie with her sister, Rosanne Berger, MD, IBCLC. Being a team approach, they have an IBCLC in the office everyday to work with families struggling with feeding issues. Also part of Katie the Traveling LC podcast, episode 13

Dr Richard Baxter of Alabama Tongue Tie Center- Dr Richard Baxter is a pediatric dentist, tongue tie specialist, dad of 3 and best-selling author of the book Tongue-Tied: How a tiny string under the tongue impacts nursing, speech, feeding and more. Dr Baxter talks about how his twins tongue ties changed his knowledge and practice of how much impact tethered oral tissues could have. Now he spends all of his time helping families from all over the south (he is one of the only CO2 laser providers who will treat all ages in the region) deal with limited oral function. Dr Baxter is big on a team approach (his book was written with 6 other providers who help TOTs families. Dr Baxter also developed The Tongue Tied Academy and lite version for non-release providers. Also a part of Katie the Traveling LC episode 17

Dr Maggie Davis of Florida Tongue Tie Center-Dr Maggie Davis is a pediatric dentist and tongue tie specialist. Dr Davis is a graduate of Dr Baxter Tongue Tied Academy, and TOTS: Tethered Oral Tissues program by Autumn Henning. Using a CO2 laser Dr Davis has released hundreds of tethered oral tissues from newborn to adulthood. Dr Davis’s goal is to support every family with as much caring knowledge and expertise as she can. Also a part of Katie the Traveling LC episode 15. **Also Dr Maggie Davis released both my kids tongue ties, ages 13 & 10 in April 2022! This is covered in Katie the Traveling LC episode 20 and released my tie in 12/22 episode 41

Dr Casey Lynn of Tampa Tongue Tie- Dr Casey Lynn is a pediatric dentist who also has a tongue tie practice. After seeing how tongue ties impacted his own kids, and how much the other providers such as bodywork and Myofunctional therapy helped, Dr Lynn started the Tampa Tongue Tie Center to help all families. Dr Lynn is a big advocate of prevention (cutting down on sweet carbs like goldfish to prevent cavities) and assessing for tongue tie on all his clients, and even watching for airway space. Dr Lynn is an avid learner and always seeking more knowledge on tongue tie and how it impacts the body. Also a part of Katie the Traveling LC episode 18

Dr Saleha Mahmud-Ritter started Tongue Tie Center of Baltimore is a was a General Dentist before becoming a parent.  Having her first son she learned all about lactation and tongue ties from the support of her IBCLC.  This led Dr Saleha to "quit" general dentistry, and truly jump into all things Tongue tie.  Also a guest on Katie the Traveling LC episode 24

Dr Meggie Graham- Untethered Airway Health & Tongue Tie Center in Milwaukee. Dr Meggie is passionate about the team approach and know for saying she knows the anatomy but not the function, that’s where her team comes in. With an IBCLC for infants and an SLP for older kids, Untethered is creating an easy center for families to get excellent care. The Untethered Initiative is something of a passion project for Dr Graham, allowing for access to airway health regardless of ability to pay. Also a guest on Katie the Traveling LC episode 27

Dr Justin of Chicago Tongue Tie Center- Dr Justin talks about how Chicago Tongue Tie Center started and why they see a need for a Tongue Tie Center.  Since Chicago Tongue Tie Center is new in early 2022 (though Dr Justin, Dr Bindi and Dr Derik have been preforming frenectomies for years) they discuss building a team, who should be on that team and how the team not only helps the families they serve but the professionals as well. Also a guest on Katie the Traveling LC episode 28

Dr Kotlow - Dr Kotlow started recognizing and treating tongue tie decades before most other providers.  In fact he has been treating tongue tie since 1974!  Dr Kotlow is dedicated to helping patients have full oral function and not letting tongue tie limit their bodies.  Also a guest on Katie the Traveling LC episode 29

Dr Maria Cordero-Ricardo- Philadelphia Pediatric Dentistry-  As an experienced and patient teacher, Dr Maria spent the last 10 years in academia teaching and guiding dental students in all the ways of infant oral health and tongue tie.  Now that she is in private practice, Dr Maria is passionate about her office being a calm environment for all (low sensory, calm lighting, great spots for parents to sit and very calming presence).  Infant oral health, and habits that parents can adopt before the child turns 3 are rarely discussed, but in her office it's a priority for Dr Maria.  She knows an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, for oral health and tongue tie!  Also a guest on Katie the Traveling LC episode 35

Dr Gary Myers of Myers Pediatric Dentistry- Timing of release isn't just a catch phrase, it's the MOST important part of deciding when to have a tongue tie release.  Dr Gary talks about what he usually sees with clients, how different babies are from adults and how there isn't 1 right way for everyone.  Dr Gary also focuses on what he calls the 3 T's:
Tethers- anatomy- his job
Tension- bodywork space
Technique- Lactation space

Also a guest on Katie the Traveling LC episode 42

Dr Andrea Mason of Olympia Untied- Tongue ties are on the rise, some evidence says 25-33% of babies have an oral restriction, and these families need help.  In Olympia, they have a talented Pediatric Dentist at Olympia Untied with Dr Andrea Mason. Dr Andrea Mason focuses on the necessity of a team approach and how working together helps families thrive.  Also a guest on Katie the Traveling LC episode 46

Dr Liz Turner of Bloom- Center for Sleep and Airway Health- Dr Liz is passionate about timing of release and working with a team, so much that she has started this center to make getting expert care easier for families. After seeing how a tongue tie made her own breastfeeding relationship struggle, then improve with release and functional changes, Dr Liz became a tongue tie advocate. Dr Liz also advocates for every family with a tongue tied baby to be working with an expert IBCLC before release, and having skilled bodywork too. Another guess on Katie the Traveling LC episode 49

Dr Mark Persaud- Tongue Tie Laser Center of Atlanta (TLC)- Dr Mark Persaud and his wife Amelia Persaud to create a multi-therapy office.  The strategy here was to allow parents one location, one place to centralize care.  More than that, this central design facilities provider communication and true learning from each other. Katie the Traveling LC episode 51

Dr Niki of Tooth and Tongue Pediatric Dentistry- Dr Niki is one of the rare providers who actually practices what she preaches, and understands timing of release, encouraging parents to work with lactation and bodywork before and after a release.  Dr Niki doesn't even offer a release day of consultation unless referred by a preferred provider and prearranged!  Katie the Traveling LC episode 54