TONGUE FUNCTION EXERCISES

Exercising your baby's tongue post procedure can help to keep it moving while the wound heals. 

Whilst there is limited evidence for wound massage or stretching, there are ways that you can encourage your baby to move their tongue between feeds to help increase range of movement. 

Ensure that your baby is comfortable and stop immediately if your baby is upset when performing exercises

Using clean fingers and short nails you can help by doing the following a few times a day once the wound has healed:

 

Protrusion - poke your tongue out at your baby while they are awake. Stroke your baby's lips with your finger gently to encourage poking out

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Lateralisation - stroke your baby's gums with your fingertip going side to side. This will encourage them to follow your finger and improve sideways movement

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Finger sucking - let your baby suck your finger (pad side up) and gently tug away while they are sucking to encourage strength of suction