New study finds no link between tight upper lip tie and breastfeeding difficulties

A new study from the University of Oulu found no evidence that a tight upper lip tie in infants contributes to breastfeeding problems, calling into question the necessity of surgical procedures often performed to address such concerns.

The research, published in JAMA Network Open, involved 264 mother-infant pairs at Oulu University Hospital. According to neonatologist Outi Aikio, the findings suggest that a tight upper lip tie does not affect breastfeeding success and that there is no clear medical justification for routine surgical intervention.

While rare cases may warrant correction, Aikio and co-researcher Venla Lohi, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, emphasize that tight upper lip ties generally do not cause breastfeeding difficulties. They warn against unnecessary procedures, citing risks such as excessive bleeding—some cases requiring intensive care—and scarring that may impair oral function.

The study also noted that 86% of participating mother-infant pairs experienced some breastfeeding challenges, with first-time mothers reporting higher rates of difficulty. Researchers suggest that insufficient lactation support may drive parents to seek surgical solutions, even when evidence for their effectiveness is lacking.

A separate but related project at the University of Oulu, the Linne study, is examining the broader implications of tight tongue ties in infants and toddlers. Lohi noted that while only 2–3% of infants have tongue ties severe enough to justify surgery, concerns about them have surged among parents, partly due to limited access to breastfeeding support.