Anyone who works with patients with oral restrictions knows this is not a fad. The controversy with tongue-tie is something I will never understand. I believe the dogma and lack of listening to patient experiences is hurting children and it really makes me mad. 😠 Now, you need to work with a well-trained provider, and you cannot (I repeat, CANNOT) diagnose an oral restriction or tongue-tie simply from a photo...but, I see so many ties that are ignored or missed, many severe, and the mama just keeps painfully or reluctantly powering through the early days of breastfeeding, often giving up earlier than she had hoped, and now we have a toddler or child with many of these issues listed above. And it's a lot to unravel the older we get. My point: find people that support you and that have extra training. If you're struggling, get another opinion. Even if your trusted pediatrician or the hospital's IBCLC says you're fine...listen to your body. Are you fine? Does it seem normal to you? Second opinions never hurt. Sadly, many bring their own biases into the conversation. My first born had an overlooked posterior tie, which I didn't diagnose until she was 3.5 yo. Dentists have close to zero training in this arena in our standard programs. And pediatricians get little training in facial development. I knew nothing when I had my first child and her issues, paired with my experience through it all, is what propelled me into my current airway health passions. So, it's potentially a lot more than "can you breastfeed OK?" or "can you stick your tongue out?" If anyone is only asking you those questions, I would bet they really know nothing about oral restrictions...just like I didn't. A provider should be assessing thoroughly and then reviewing risks and benefits of treating or delaying. Mouth-breathing alone is a huge deal and should absolutely be discussed with families. Have you felt unheard or overlooked with your children and their oral restrictions? Please share. Your story may help another Mama or family realize that they need another opinion. ❤️Doctor Staci