20 - Tongue Ties Uncovered: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Guest: Renee Beebe, IBCLC)

Feeding a newborn is supposed to be natural, right? So why does it sometimes feel like an Olympic-level challenge? In this episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Doula Deb sits down with IBCLC and lactation expert Renee Beebe to unravel the mystery of tongue ties—one of the most misunderstood (and misdiagnosed) feeding issues parents face.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Renee breaks down everything parents really need to know about tongue and lip ties—no fluff, no fear-mongering, just straight-up, evidence-based guidance. She and Deb tackle the biggest misconceptions, why appearance alone doesn’t tell the full story, and how a proper assessment can mean the difference between painful, frustrating feeds and a smooth, comfortable nursing experience.

Listeners will walk away with game-changing insights, including:

• The real signs of a tongue tie (hint: it’s not just a tight frenulum)
• Why IBCLCs should be your first stop before considering a procedure
• The role of bodywork in improving oral function—sometimes eliminating the need for a release altogether
• How to choose the right provider if a release is necessary (because not all are created equal)
• Why aftercare doesn’t have to be a stressful, tear-filled ordeal for you or your baby

This episode is an absolute must-listen for any parent dealing with painful feeds, weight gain concerns, reflux, or endless online confusion about tongue ties. If you’ve ever wondered, Is this why feeding feels so hard?—Deb and Renee have the answers you need.

Guest: Renee Beebe, IBCLC

Renee Beebe has been working in the field of lactation since the birth of her first child in 1990—as a La Leche League Leader, postpartum doula,, and IBCLC. Every time she works with a breastfeeding dyad, she draws from her background in education and child development. Since becoming an IBCLC in 1997, Renee has supported families through home, hospital, and clinic visits in the Seattle area and telehealth consultations internationally. She has spoken for a variety of local and international organizations about breastfeeding and tongue tie. 

Renee has developed a special interest in tongue ties and helped develop a tongue-tie clinic. She has assisted with over 2,000 frenotomies with scissor and laser release providers. She understands how confusing the issue of tongue ties can be for families, which led her to write her book "Fit To Be Tied: A Visual Resource for Parents."

Buy your copy today! Fit To Be Tied: A Visual Resource for Parents by Renee Beebe, IBCLC: https://amzn.to/4gTqDkI 

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