A soft, honest story for the mama who knows something just isn’t quite right
There is a moment many mamas feel but cannot always explain.
You watch your child try.
The effort is there in every moment.
Those sounds almost become words.
And something in your heart whispers, there is more here… we just need the right support.
This is one of those stories.
When a Mama Trusts Her Gut
This mama reached out after already scheduling her son’s tongue-tie release.
She did not wait for permission.
There was no second guessing.
Instead, she followed that quiet knowing.
Her goal was simple. She wanted support for the 48 hours after the procedure and again at the 7-day mark.
But there was one small difference from my typical process.
We had not done a full evaluation beforehand.
Normally, I guide families through oral motor exercises and prepare both mama and child before the release. This builds confidence and sets the stage for smoother healing.
So I asked something a little different.
I asked if I could come with them.
A Team Approach Changes Everything
I reached out directly to the pediatric dentist.
Yes, I have personal connections with many of the providers in our area. This allows for real-time communication and support when families need it most.
And this is what I want you to understand as a mama.
You are not meant to do this alone.
The dentist welcomed me in and even encouraged it. He knew that having support in the room could make a difference, especially since I had not yet attended a release in his office.
Before the appointment, mama was already prepared.
She had:
- A journal I created to guide her through healing
- Soft and cold foods ready at home
- Protein shakes for nutrition support
- Pain relief options like Tylenol and Motrin
- Natural supports like essential oils and arnica
- Gloves for post-procedure stretches
She walked in grounded, informed, and ready.
That matters more than you think.
The Diagnosis That Confirmed Her Instinct
After evaluation, the dentist confirmed a level 4 tongue-tie.
This is one of the more significant restrictions.
And because mama had prepared so well, the procedure was able to happen that same day.
No delays.
No second guessing.
Just forward movement.
That night, I checked in.
He was resting, drinking fluids, watching TV, and soaking in snuggles. Not eating much yet, which is completely normal.
But here is something important that came up.
The pacifier.
The Pacifier Conversation Most Families Avoid
The dentist noted its use.
Mama had already begun limiting it to nap and bedtime, which was a beautiful first step.
We both agreed:
After healing, it would be time to fully wean.
If you are reading this and wondering the same thing, you can explore this guide here:
https://bethanylovern.com/when-to-stop-pacifier/
Sometimes the hardest transitions are also the most necessary ones.
48 Hours Later: A Completely Different Child
When I arrived at their home, I was greeted by a proud little boy.
He could not wait to show me his new helicopter.
This matters.
Joy matters in healing.
He asked for Fruit Loops and happily used his new straw cup inspired by his favorite show, Bluey.
And then mama shared something surprising.
They had already stopped pain medication.
He did not seem to need it.
Even more telling?
He had eaten pancakes and chicken strips from Culver’s. Foods that were previously too difficult for him to chew.
Let that sink in.
Within 48 hours, his ability to eat had already shifted.
The Work That Creates Real Change
Healing is not passive.
It requires support, consistency, and gentle guidance.
During our session, we worked on:
- Tongue stretches using a guided tool
- Lip movement through licking exercises
- Blowing bubbles to encourage lip rounding
These were not easy for him.
He struggled with licking peanut butter from his lips and often wiped it away instead. Blowing bubbles was difficult because rounding his lips was unfamiliar.
This is exactly why follow-up care matters.
You cannot just release the tie.
You have to teach the body what to do next.
7 Days Later: Progress You Can Feel
At the one-week follow-up, everything was shifting.
Mama shared that they were practicing daily in front of the mirror. Using the tongue guide. Making it part of their routine.
We continued with:
- Licking exercises using Nutella
- Popsicle work to encourage tongue movement
- Snack-based therapy with familiar foods
He was now eating:
- Wheat Thins
- Granola bars
- Drinking from his straw cup with ease
And then came the moment that changes everything for so many families.
“He’s Starting to Talk More”
Mama said his words were increasing.
They were no longer all sounding the same.
There was clarity emerging.
Connection.
Expression.
This is what so many families are truly longing for.
Not perfection.
But understanding.
When One Step Opens the Door to the Next
At the end of that session, mama asked a simple question.
Would I continue working with him for speech?
The answer was yes.
They chose an 8-session package, in-home, play-based.
Our sessions included:
- Playdough
- Cars
- Little people farms
- Snacks woven into therapy
- Continued oral motor support
Because therapy should feel like connection, not pressure.
Nine Weeks That Changed Everything
By the end of our time together, this little boy was:
- Combining 2 to 3 words
- Using a wide variety of vocabulary
- Speaking more clearly
- Producing sounds that were not possible before
Including the /l/ sound.
Because now, his tongue could actually reach where it needed to go.
It is incredible what happens when the body is no longer restricted.
The Pacifier Goodbye That Made It Stick
The family used a gradual weaning system from Frida Baby.
But they also added something creative.
They turned it into a story.
They placed the pacifier in a package with a toy airplane and left it on the porch. Dad later removed it quietly.
When he went back to look for it, it was gone.
There were moments of wanting it back. That is normal.
But over time, with consistency and support, he let it go.
Now:
- He sleeps through the night
- He no longer asks for it
- His teeth are already improving
What This Story Means for You
If you are reading this and something feels familiar…
If you have been wondering:
- Is it a tongue tie?
- Is it speech?
- Is it feeding?
- Is it something I cannot quite explain?
You are not imagining it.
And you do not have to figure it out alone.
This journey is not about doing everything perfectly.
It is about having the right support at the right time.
Your Next Step
If you feel called to explore what this could look like for your child, you can start here:
A conversation is often all it takes to bring clarity.
Final Thoughts
This mama trusted her gut.
She asked for help.
She stayed consistent.
And because of that, her child now has access to words, movement, and confidence that were once just out of reach.
That is what this work is about.
Not just fixing a tie.
But unlocking a child’s ability to connect with the world.
