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“Dr. G, I think my baby hates me.”
That’s how the conversation started.
This sweet, overwhelmed mama walked into our office, eyes puffy from another night of broken sleep and baby cries that echoed louder than the white noise machine she swore would fix everything.
She sat down and said, “Feeding my baby feels like trying to do yoga... with a squirrel... in the dark... while I’m on fire.”
We both laughed, but under the humor was a mom who was truly struggling. And here’s what I want every parent to know: You are not doing anything wrong. But, baby feeding problems indicate there may be something going on that needs attention — and it might not be your technique, your diet, or your letdown speed. It could be your baby’s mouth.
Baby Feeding Problems: When Feeding Feels Like a Disaster
If feeding your baby has ever made you feel defeated, guilty, or like giving up — you're not alone.
Maybe you’ve Googled “Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt THIS much?” at 2:00 AM while your baby unlatches for the 17th time.
Or maybe you’ve wondered why your baby...
Clicks during nursing (like there’s a tiny castanet player in their mouth)
Leaks milk down their chin (and onto your only clean shirt)
Falls asleep 5 minutes in like they just ran a marathon
Needs 45 minutes to nurse... then still seems hungry
Can’t take a pacifier... or will only take a specific brand held at a 47-degree angle
Or maybe you’re the one struggling:
Your nipples are cracked, blistered, or feel like they’ve been through a cheese grater
Your baby seems fussy after every feed, gassy, or refluxy
You’ve had mastitis again, and your pump is starting to feel like an emotional support animal
These aren’t random symptoms. They could be signs of an oral restriction — a tongue tie, lip tie, or tight cheek tissue that’s making feeding hard work for your baby (and for you).
Let's Talk Infant Oral Restrictions
Oral restrictions, like tongue or lip ties, can affect how your baby nurses, breathes, and sleeps. These small but mighty pieces of tissue (frenums, to be technical—but we're not here for jargon) can keep your baby from using their mouth the way they need to.
Sound familiar?
Baby can't latch or keeps slipping off the breast
They make clicking sounds while nursing
Feeds take forever—unless they just give up and fall asleep
Milk leaks from their mouth like they're auditioning for a dairy commercial
You've become best friends with Google at 3 a.m. searching "Why does breastfeeding hurt so much?"
And it's not just the baby struggling. Moms feel it too: cracked nipples, mastitis, supply issues—you name it.
Signs You Might Be Dealing With an Oral Restriction:
For Your Baby:
Difficulty latching during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
Frequently breaking suction or losing latch during feeds
Making clicking sounds while nursing
Extended feeding times that seem to go on forever
Falling asleep quickly during feeds (they're working too hard!)
Milk leaking from the sides of their mouth
Excessive gassiness or hiccups after feeding
Reflux symptoms or frequent spitting up
Arching their back during or after feeds
For Breastfeeding Mothers:
Painful nursing sessions that make you dread feeding time
Damaged nipples that look flattened, creased, or blanched
Feeling like your breasts are never fully emptied
Recurring mastitis or plugged ducts
Declining milk supply despite frequent nursing
But here's the kicker: most of these symptoms aren't "just a phase." They could be signs your baby's mouth isn't functioning optimally. And that's where we come in.
How We Help at Agape
At Agape Pediatric Dentistry, we believe in gentle, holistic care. We start with a comfort visit and a full evaluation, listening to your concerns without judgment (and with plenty of compassion).
Our approach focuses on non-surgical interventions first. From Myo Munchee therapy to our light-touch BabyLase® protocol, we offer gentle support that encourages your baby's natural development.
What sets our practice apart is our commitment to understanding all the symptoms that might be related to oral restrictions, not just the obvious ones. After years of working with infants, I've learned to recognize patterns that many parents and even some healthcare providers miss.
So if feeding feels like a warzone—you're not crazy, and you're definitely not alone. Let's get to the root (pun intended) of the issue.
This is Part 1 of a three-part series on identifying oral restrictions in children of different ages. Continue reading Part 2: Toddlers and Part 3: Children to learn more about symptoms and solutions for older children.
Contact Agape Pediatric Dentistry
Agape Pediatric Dentistry5185 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite 325Peachtree Corners, GA 30092678-831-5437 | info@agapepediatricdentistry.com
Now accepting new patients from Peachtree Corners, Johns Creek, Duluth, Norcross, Berkeley Lakes, and beyond.