In this episode, Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, explores the complex, and often controversial, challenges that lactation consultants face when assessing and managing tongue tie in infants. From inconsistent training and ambiguous assessments to provider disagreements and family pressures, Lisa breaks down the barriers to effective care and offers actionable strategies to overcome them.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Inconsistent Training & Guidelines: Education on tongue tie varies widely, leaving many professionals with limited or conflicting knowledge. Lisa stresses the need for specialized, evidence-based continuing education and peer collaboration to build confidence and competence.
2. Challenges in Assessment: Accurate diagnosis requires more than a visual check - functional assessment is key. Lisa highlights the importance of understanding oral mechanics and using supportive and proven assessment tools.
3. Interprofessional Disagreements: Differing views among health care providers can confuse families and complicate care. Lisa advocates for respectful, evidence-informed communication and building a trusted referral network.
4. Parental Pressure for Immediate Answers: Families often seek quick fixes amidst feeding struggles. Lisa emphasizes the value of compassionate education, managing expectations, and offering follow-up support.
5. Limited Access to Qualified Providers: A shortage of experienced tongue tie professionals can hinder timely treatment. Lisa encourages exploring virtual consults, maintaining referral lists, and advocating for increased local training.

Takeaway:

Navigating tongue tie assessment and treatment is both controversial and challenging—but with the right tools, education, and collaboration, lactation consultants can support families more effectively and confidently.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

🔹Professional’s Guide to Tongue Tie : https://www.tonguetieexperts.net/Professional

🔹ICAP: https://icapprofessionals.com/

Special thanks to our episode sponsor - OI Tape. Check them out at OITape.com and use coupon code TONGUETIE20 to save 20% off all products.

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

A gentle disclaimer. Please do not consider anything discussed on this podcast, by myself or any guest of the podcast, to be medical advice. The information is provided for educational purposes only and does not take the place of your own medical or lactation provider.

Mentioned in this episode:

OI Tape

In this thought-provoking episode of the Tongue Tie Experts podcast, host Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, is joined by Olena Dobchansky, a clinician, educator, and leader in maternal and child health. With decades of experience guiding families and supporting nurses, Olena offers a grounded, compassionate, and deeply informed perspective on the current landscape of infant feeding and postpartum care.

Together, Lisa and Olena explore how maternal-child health has evolved within traditional medical systems, and what has been lost along the way. They discuss the commercialization of breastfeeding support, how language shapes our understanding of infant feeding, and why individualized, relationship-centered care matters.

Key Topics Discussed

• Olena’s journey in nursing and leadership in maternal & child health
• How nursing theory has shifted, and what clinicians are still missing
• The difference between “breastfeeding” and “lactation”: words that matter
• Challenges created by corporate healthcare systems
• The rise of commodified feeding solutions and the “quick fix” mindset
• Building health literacy and informed decision-making in families
• How social media influences parents’ feeding choices, stress, and identity
• The role of family dynamics and support networks in feeding success
• Why understanding the lived experience of each mother is essential to care
• The call to return to personalized, respectful, and holistic support

• Breastfeeding is not simply a biological act; it’s relational, emotional, and deeply contextual.
• Healthcare systems often prioritize efficiency over connection—yet connection is where healing and confidence emerge.
• Families need more than instructions, they need clarity, support, and validation.
• Professionals must listen not just to symptoms, but to stories.

Olena Dobchansky is a clinician, educator, and advocate in maternal and child health. Her work centers on empowering families and elevating the role of nurses and lactation professionals in supporting holistic, evidence-informed, compassionate care.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor - OI Tape. Check them out at OITape.com and use coupon code TONGUETIE20 to save 20% off all products.

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

A gentle disclaimer. Please do not consider anything discussed on this podcast, by myself or any guest of the podcast, to be medical advice. The information is provided for educational purposes only and does not take the place of your own medical or lactation provider.

Mentioned in this episode:

OI Tape

In this episode of Tongue Tie Experts, IBCLC and Certified Nurse Midwife Lisa Paladino shares two real-life case studies that uncover the most common - and most misunderstood - breastfeeding challenges. Learn how to recognize the signs of tongue tie, why maternal pain should never be ignored, and what truly needs to happen before and after a tongue tie release to ensure optimal results.

Lisa breaks down the importance of a full feeding assessment, explains why babies often compensate during breastfeeding, and highlights how preparation, aftercare, and collaborative support can transform outcomes.

Whether you're a lactation professional, a healthcare provider, or a parent seeking answers, this episode offers practical insights and evidence-informed guidance to help families navigate tongue tie and breastfeeding with confidence.

• Maternal experience matters. A parent’s pain, intuition, and observations are essential clinical clues that should always be taken seriously.
• Breastfeeding pain is not normal. Persistent discomfort signals that something in the feeding relationship needs attention.
• Babies often compensate for feeding difficulties. These compensations can mask underlying issues while contributing to maternal pain and inefficient feeding.
• Tongue tie is only one piece of the puzzle. Breastfeeding challenges are multifactorial and require a full, holistic assessment of the dyad.
• Proper preparation leads to better tongue tie release outcomes. Pre-release guidance, expectations, and support make a significant difference.
• Post-release care is essential. Coordinated follow-up, including lactation support and potential bodywork, can improve function and comfort.
• Comprehensive support helps families thrive. Parents need accurate education, accessible resources, and a skilled team to feel confident in their breastfeeding journey.
• Every mother and baby deserve individualized care. Thoughtful, evidence-informed support leads to better outcomes and more positive breastfeeding experiences.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor - OI Tape. Check them out at OITape.com and use coupon code TONGUETIE20 to save 20% off all products.

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

A gentle disclaimer. Please do not consider anything discussed on this podcast, by myself or any guest of the podcast, to be medical advice. The information is provided for educational purposes only and does not take the place of your own medical or lactation provider.

Mentioned in this episode:

OI Tape