Tongue Tie Lactation Consultations

 in Lake Charles & Southwest Louisiana

Can a little piece of tissue really wreck your breastfeeding journey? Yes, that’s exactly what a tongue tie does! This band of tissue (the frenulum) attaches to the bottom of your baby’s mouth more than it should, limiting their tongue’s range of motion.

This breastfeeding problem doesn’t just affect you (ouch!). It can make eating a serious struggle for your baby. This common condition is often missed and turns into a major problem — unless you get expert help from an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).

Hi, I’m Courtney, your Lake Charles IBCLC. I have over 20 years in lactation experience! You can love and enjoy breastfeeding. If that sounds like a dream, please know: it can happen when we get to the root of your issues.

I want your family to have a successful breastfeeding journey. Good news — there are solutions for treating tongue tie. You don’t have to do it alone! Let me guide you with compassion and give you hope that it is possible.

How Do You Know If Your Baby Has A Tongue Tie?

Does Your Baby Suffer With:

  • Not being able to latch properly

  • Can’t stay attached

  • Coughing or choking while feeding

  • Breastfeeding constantly

  • Poor weight gain

  • Fussy at the breast

  • Crying often

  • Reflux

  • Recessed jaw

  • Lip blisters

  • Clicking or leaking milk

  • Gaining weight but feeding is still a struggle

Are You Miserable Dealing With:

  • Pain while feeding

  • Cracked or bleeding nipples

  • Ineffective milk removal leading to low supply

  • Clogged ducts

  • Mastitis

  • Feeling discouraged

  • Feeling emotionally drained

It’s easy to see how a tongue tie can impact your breastfeeding journey. Not every IBCLC has in-depth knowledge about this complicated problem. 

Luckily, if you live in Lake Charles, Lafayette and Southwest Louisiana — you have a skilled lactation consultant close by!

You weren’t meant to do this alone, so choose me to be part of your village! With expert support and guidance — feel confident and breastfeed your baby successfully.

Does Health Insurance Include Lactation Visits?

Find out! I partner with The Lactation Network, which works with your specific insurance to cover up to 6 lactation visits. To see if you qualify, fill out the necessary info here. You’ll get an email with the answer.


If you’re not covered under insurance, please don’t think you can’t get help. Reach out to me — no matter the number in your bank account. Truly, I love the community of mothers and babies, so let’s see how I can serve you. I am working on a non-profit to help all mothers be able to get breastfeeding support they deserve. It matters!

What To Expect In Your Tongue Tie Lactation Visit

Symptoms

Honestly, discussing specific symptoms is one of the most important aspects of the exam. It helps me uncover the root of your issue. What are you and your baby struggling with right now? We need to consider both of you in this process. Breastfeeding should not hurt!

  • Oral Assessment

Not every tongue tie’s the same — or easy to see! Posterior tongue ties can be even harder to evaluate and easily missed by someone who doesn’t specialize in tongue ties. My hands-on approach tells me everything I need to know about your baby’s tongue function so we can determine the right steps for you.

  • Breastfeeding Evaluation

I assess how your baby feeds in real-time. We want to see if their tongue has good strength and movement. I evaluate whether your baby can remove milk at a normal rate, get a good latch, and it can be pain-free for you, mama.

  • Pre & Post Care Support

If we determine your baby has a tongue tie, you won’t be alone during any step of the journey. I work with the most compassionate local professionals who treat tongue tie. With specialized care, your breastfeeding journey doesn’t have to be over because of this common issue.

  • Personalized Care Plan

Finding out your newborn has a tongue tie and needs further treatment is terrifying as a parent. I gently lead you through the coping process and answer all the questions that come up. Each family has unique feeding goals, and I honor your wishes while offering expert support. I provide the best care plan for your family so we can get to the joyful part of breastfeeding.

BONUS: You get text support whenever you choose me to care for your family. I know a million questions pop up or you’ll worry about something new. You won’t have to stress because I’ll be there!

Courtney truly is the best lactation consultant I have ever known. She goes above and beyond for every mom, loves each baby she sees with all of her heart and is willing to go far lengths to make sure every mom and baby has what they need to have a successful breastfeeding journey.

-Virgina P.

FAQs

Can we avoid tongue tie surgery?

Maybe! I know that’s not easy to hear, but we have to explore your specific case. Oftentimes, babies need the procedure and I would rather be honest with you. However, I take a more holistic approach to care, options like bodywork and oral exercises to correct the problem might work.

My pediatrician says it is a “mild” tongue tie or there isn’t one. Do I still need to see an IBCLC?

YES! Honestly, no disrespect to your pediatrician, but there’s no such thing as a “mild” tongue tie. I’m an expert with years of specialization in this field, so it’s easy for other practitioners to misdiagnose this with their general understanding. 

If the tongue’s range of motion is limited, it definitely impacts breastfeeding and your baby’s oral function. If you’re experiencing breastfeeding issues, you absolutely should schedule a consult with me.

What’s wrong with leaving a tongue tie untreated?

A tongue tie inhibits the complete function of the tongue. While it’s tempting to give up breastfeeding and hope it goes away on its own, the problem still exists. Your baby’s ability to have complete oral function is key for aiding in proper digestion and dental development, sleep, eating, and speech.

I know it’s terrifying to imagine your precious baby having a procedure, especially in their tiny mouth. But avoiding the issue doesn’t solve it. And I know you want your baby to grow and develop as healthy as possible. Don’t give up. Contact me to talk through it.

How long does a tongue-tie procedure take?

Fortunately, it’s usually a fast process! Typically it takes 20-30 minutes total to prep, perform, and give you aftercare instructions. I work with professionals in the Lafayette, Southeast Texas, & Southwest Louisiana area for years and can guarantee your baby’s in good hands with us!

Does health insurance cover tongue tie visits?

Yes, many do! I partner with Lactation Network, which works with your insurance to cover up to 6 lactation visits! See if you qualify after you fill out my contact form.

If you’re not qualified or in a tough spot, I get it. Please don’t feel like you can’t get help. Reach out, and let’s talk it over.

How many lactation visits do I need?

It truly depends on your specific situation. Let’s get the conversation going and consider the best approach for your baby. Remember, your dreams and goals matter in this, and you can fix a tongue tie with support from an expert lactation consultant near you. I’m with you from start to finish.

How do I set up an appointment with you?

  1. Head on over to my contact page and fill out a short form. I’ll be in touch shortly!

  2. Check to see if you qualify through the Lactation Network while you wait for me to contact you!