Given the widespread misconceptions propagated by healthcare professionals, dispelling myths surrounding tongue-tie and lip-tie in relation to breastfeeding is imperative. Here, we debunk common fallacies to empower mothers navigating breastfeeding challenges and advocate for informed dialogue with their healthcare providers.

“Pain and discomfort during breastfeeding are normal.”

Dismissing nipple damage as a typical breastfeeding experience is unjustifiable. Comparing it to toughening up ignores the need for proper assessment and intervention, akin to disregarding medical attention for a deep cut.

“Your baby is a lazy eater.”

Infants lack volition; labeling them lazy eaters overlooks underlying issues hindering practical nursing. Inadequate nourishment due to breastfeeding difficulties exacerbates fatigue, compounding feeding challenges.

“You’re not producing enough milk.”

While milk supply fluctuations occur, overlooking structural impediments to breastfeeding, like tongue-tie, is misguided—inadequate breast stimulation due to anatomical limitations warrants investigation rather than superficial assessments of milk production.

“Your baby’s mouth is too small.”

Assertions regarding infant tongue size and mouth dimensions lack empirical basis. Disregarding tongue-tie’s impact on breastfeeding perpetuates misdiagnoses and hinders effective intervention.

“Tongue tie/lip tie doesn’t affect breastfeeding.”

Dismissive attitudes from uninformed specialists undermine breastfeeding medicine advancements. Addressing misinformation is crucial to fostering supportive healthcare environments.

“The frenulum will stretch over time.”

Delaying assessment and intervention based on speculative notions of frenulum elasticity is unwarranted. Empirical evidence refutes claims of spontaneous resolution, emphasizing the need for proactive management.

“Trauma will resolve lip tie.”

Relying on spontaneous injury as a remedial strategy is untenable. Persistent dental issues and reattachment underscore the necessity of comprehensive intervention.

“Your baby isn’t tongue-tied because they can stick out their tongue.”

Oversimplified assessments need to pay more attention to critical aspects of tongue function during breastfeeding. Thorough evaluation, rather than simplistic criteria, is essential for accurate diagnosis.

By challenging prevalent myths and advocating for evidence-based care, mothers can foster informed discussions with healthcare providers and ensure comprehensive support for breastfeeding challenges.