Are You Struggling to Breastfeed? Tongue Tie May Be the Problem

Breastfeeding is meant to be a natural, nurturing experience, but for many mothers, it becomes a source of stress and pain. If your infant struggles to latch, feeds constantly but never seems satisfied, or if you’re experiencing cracked or painful nipples, the cause may be something simple but often overlooked: tongue tie.

At NYC Tongue Tie, we specialize in diagnosing and treating tongue tie in infants. With a quick, precise, laser-free release procedure performed by Dr. Gregory Levitin, many breastfeeding issues can be resolved almost immediately, allowing both mother and baby to enjoy a healthier and more comfortable feeding experience.

How Tongue Tie Affects Breastfeeding

Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the thin band of tissue (lingual frenulum) under the tongue is too short, thick, or tight. This limits the tongue’s ability to move freely, making it difficult for infants to breastfeed effectively.

For babies, tongue tie can lead to:

• Poor latch or frequent slipping from the breast
• Extended or constant feeding sessions
• Gassiness, colic, or reflux from swallowing air
• Slow weight gain or failure to thrive

For mothers, tongue tie often causes:

• Painful, cracked, or bleeding nipples
• Engorgement or blocked ducts due to ineffective milk removal
• Mastitis or breast infections
• Emotional stress and frustration with breastfeeding

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), tongue tie is estimated to occur in 4–11% of newborns, making it more common than many parents realize.

Why a Simple Release Can Help

A tongue tie release (frenotomy) is a minor procedure that frees the tongue to move normally. At NYC Tongue Tie, Dr. Levitin performs this treatment without lasers, using a quick, precise technique that takes only seconds. Babies can usually breastfeed immediately after the procedure, with many mothers noticing an immediate improvement in latch and comfort.

Unlike laser procedures, which can sometimes cause thermal injury or scarring, our approach is gentle, safe, and effective. The benefits include:

• Stronger, more efficient latch
• Shorter, more productive feeding sessions
• Relief of maternal nipple pain
• Improved infant weight gain and growth
• Reduced risk of reflux and digestive discomfort

Expertise You Can Trust

Dr. Gregory Levitin, MD, FACS, is a board-certified Otolaryngologist–Head and Neck Surgeon and a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). With extensive experience in treating tongue ties in infants, children, and adults, Dr. Levitin is widely recognized for his expertise and compassionate approach.

Parents across New York City and beyond trust Dr. Levitin to deliver exceptional care, combining medical precision with an understanding of the emotional challenges families face when breastfeeding is difficult.

Don’t Wait to Seek Help

If breastfeeding has been more painful and stressful than you expected, a tongue tie may be the reason. The good news is that this condition is highly treatable, and relief can be almost immediate after a quick release procedure.

Contact NYC Tongue Tie today to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Levitin. Let us help you and your baby achieve the breastfeeding success and comfort you both deserve.