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Breastfeeding difficulties
Baby loses the latch, slips off the breast, has to restart. Feeds take a long time and baby seems exhausted without being satisfied.
Paediatric Osteopathy · Trained at Centre YGY
Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie
in Infants
Tongue-tie, lip-tie, cheek-tie — these overly tight oral frenula can disrupt breastfeeding, sucking and your baby's comfort. Hilary Farid supports you before and after the frenectomy to help optimise recovery.
★★★★★
4.9/5 · 72 Google reviewsClinics in Paris 15 (75015) and Sèvres (92310)
Signs to watch for
Restrictive frenula can show up in many different ways. These signs, whether on their own or combined, are worth having assessed.
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Clicking sounds while feeding
Abnormal sucking sounds (clicks, smacking) signalling a poor oral seal and excessive air intake.
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Gas and bloating
Air swallowed due to a poor lip seal distends the bowel and causes colic, gas and digestive discomfort.
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Exhausting feeds
Baby tires before being full, falls asleep at the breast but wants to feed again very soon after. Insufficient weight gain is possible.
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Maternal pain
Cracked nipples, pain when latching that persists beyond the first few days — a sign of poor sucking mechanics.
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Associated reflux
Inefficient sucking creates negative pressure that promotes gastric reflux. A restrictive frenulum can worsen existing reflux (GORD).
The role of osteopathy
Osteopathy does not treat the frenulum itself — that is the surgeon's role. It prepares and supports your baby to help achieve the best possible outcome.
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Before the frenectomy
- ✓Releasing neck and cranial tension related to birth
- ✓Improving mobility of the hyoid bone and skull base
- ✓Reducing postural compensations (torticollis, preferred head rotation)
- ✓Preparing for faster recovery after the procedure
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After the frenectomy
- ✓Supporting healing to help reduce the risk of the wound site reattaching
- ✓Releasing muscular and fascial tension in the oral region
- ✓Helping the neurological integration of the tongue's new range of motion
- ✓Working alongside the mobilisation exercises prescribed
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A collaborative, multidisciplinary approach
Optimal care for restrictive oral ties is multidisciplinary: osteopath, lactation consultant (IBCLC), the practitioner performing the frenectomy, and sometimes a speech and language therapist. Hilary works closely with these professionals and can refer you if needed.
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Specialist training
Hilary Farid has completed specialist training at Centre YGY (Catherine Rybus, Paris) — a leading national centre for perinatal and paediatric osteopathic care. This training specifically covers the assessment and treatment of dysfunctions related to restrictive oral ties, sucking difficulties and infant oral mechanics.
Centre YGY – Catherine RybusCFPCOIDO ParisSPA Renata França
Frequently Asked Questions
My baby has a tongue-tie — should I see a surgeon or an osteopath first?+
The two approaches are complementary. Ideally, see the osteopath as soon as possible to work on any tension present, then arrange the surgical assessment. Both can be organised in parallel.
How many sessions are needed for restrictive oral ties?+
Generally 2 to 4 sessions: one or two before the frenectomy to prepare the tissues, and one or two afterwards to support recovery. The protocol is adapted according to severity and progress.
Can osteopathy replace a frenectomy?+
No. Osteopathy does not lengthen a frenulum. It optimises the body's mechanics around the frenulum and improves recovery after it is released. Surgical or laser treatment remains necessary if the frenulum is functionally restrictive.
My baby is 3 months old — is it too late to act?+
No. Osteopathy and frenectomy remain effective up to 6–12 months and beyond. Priorities shift over time (breastfeeding, introducing solids, speech development), but treatment remains relevant.
Can this help if I bottle-feed?+
Yes. Difficulties linked to restrictive oral ties also affect bottle-feeding (fatigue, swallowing air, reflux). The approach is the same.
Is your baby struggling to feed?
An osteopathic assessment helps identify any tension present and points you towards the right professionals.
Clinics in Paris 15 (75015) and Sèvres (92310).
Related pages
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