The Day You've Been Building Toward
You've done the consultation. You've asked your questions. You've made the decision to move forward with a tongue-tie release. Now the day is on the calendar, and a fresh wave of nerves shows up. What do you bring? How should you prepare? Will your baby be okay?
Take a breath. The release itself is quick and you've already done the hard part, which was deciding. This guide is a calm, practical walk-through of how to prepare for release day so you arrive feeling ready instead of frazzled.
At Latched Beginnings in Austin, we want release day to feel as smooth and supported as possible. Here's how to get ready.
What to Do the Day Before
A little prep the night before makes the morning easier. Get as much rest as a newborn allows, and try not to spiral on worst-case worries. Charge your phone for photos and notes. Pack your bag so you're not scrambling in the morning. If you have a partner or support person, confirm the plan so you're not solo unless you want to be.
If you're breastfeeding, feed normally. There's no fasting required for an infant tongue-tie release. A reasonably fed, content baby tends to do better than an overly hungry one, though you'll have the chance to feed right after the procedure too.
What to Pack for Release Day
Keep it simple. Here's a practical packing list for an infant release.
Feeding Supplies
Whatever you normally feed with: nursing pillow, bottles and prepared milk or formula, burp cloths. You'll likely feed right after the release, so have your usual setup ready.
Comfort Items
A favorite swaddle or blanket, a pacifier if your baby uses one, and anything that helps soothe your baby. Familiar comfort items help during recovery.
Changes of Clothes
A spare outfit for your baby and ideally a spare top for you. Feeds and a little drool can get messy on an emotional day.
Documentation
Any paperwork your provider requested, your payment method, and HSA or FSA card if you're using one.
Your Questions
A written list of any last questions about the procedure or aftercare. It's easy to forget them in the moment.
Preparing Yourself Emotionally
It's completely normal to feel anxious about your baby having a procedure, even a quick one. Many parents tear up. That doesn't mean you're making the wrong choice. It means you love your baby.
A few things help. Remind yourself why you made this decision and what you're hoping to improve. Know that your baby will likely cry during the brief procedure, similar to a vaccine, and that crying is normal and short-lived. Plan to hold and feed your baby right after, which comforts both of you. And lean on your support person if you have one. You can absolutely be in the room and present for your baby.
Setting Up Your Home for Recovery
A little setup before you leave makes the first day or two easier. Stock up on the basics so you're not running errands with a recovering baby.
Have your post-op exercise instructions handy where you'll see them, since consistency in the first days matters. Clear your schedule as much as possible for the next 24 to 48 hours so you can focus on feeding, soothing, and exercises. Prep easy meals or snacks for yourself, because you'll be holding and feeding a lot. Set up a cozy feeding and soothing station with everything within reach. If your provider recommended any infant pain relief, have it on hand per their instructions.
What to Expect Right After the Release
Knowing what's coming reduces the anxiety. The release itself takes just a few minutes per site. Your baby will likely cry during it, mostly from being held still, and will usually calm quickly once you pick them up and feed.
Many parents notice an immediate change in the latch. Others see improvement over the following days and weeks as the tongue learns new movement. Both are normal. You'll go home with a customized post-op plan, exercise coaching, and a clear sense of what the next few days look like. The first exercises usually start within hours, and we'll make sure you feel confident doing them.
How Latched Beginnings Supports You on Release Day in Austin
Release day should feel calm and supported, not clinical and cold. That's exactly the experience we aim to create.
Our office at 1701 Simond Ave, Suite 107A is set up for babies and the parents who love them. Dr. Kacie Culotta, DDS performs the release using the LightScalpel CO2 laser, the gold standard, with topical numbing and comfort measures. Our all-mom team has been on your side of the experience, holding their own babies through hard moments, so they know how to support you.
We'll walk you through every step, give you the chance to feed and comfort your baby right away, coach you through the first exercises, and send you home with a clear plan. You won't be left guessing. We've got you, and we've got your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for my baby's tongue-tie release day?
Get rest the night before, pack feeding supplies, comfort items, a change of clothes, and your paperwork, and write down any last questions. There's no fasting required for an infant release. Feed your baby normally beforehand, and set up a cozy recovery space at home for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Do I need to stop feeding my baby before a tongue-tie release?
No. Unlike many procedures, an infant tongue-tie release does not require fasting. You can feed your baby normally beforehand. A content, reasonably fed baby often does better than an overly hungry one, and you'll have the chance to feed again right after the release.
What should I bring to my baby's frenectomy appointment?
Bring your usual feeding supplies, a favorite swaddle or comfort item, a pacifier if your baby uses one, a spare outfit for your baby and a spare top for you, your paperwork and payment method including any HSA or FSA card, and a written list of questions. Keeping it simple is fine.
Will my baby be in pain during the release?
Your baby will likely cry briefly during the procedure, mostly from being held still rather than from significant pain. Topical numbing is applied, and the laser release takes only a few minutes per site. Most babies calm quickly once they're picked up and fed afterward.
Can I stay with my baby during the tongue-tie release?
Yes. At Latched Beginnings you can be present and involved, and you'll hold and feed your baby right after the release to comfort both of you. Many parents bring a partner or support person, which helps on an emotional day. Being in the room is encouraged.
How should I set up my home for recovery?
Keep your post-op exercise instructions visible, clear your schedule for the first 24 to 48 hours, prep easy meals and snacks for yourself, set up a feeding and soothing station with everything within reach, and have any recommended infant pain relief on hand. The first day or two is mostly feeding, soothing, and exercises.
Will I see improvement in feeding right after the release?
Some parents notice an immediate change in the latch, while others see improvement over the following days and weeks as the tongue learns new movement. Both are completely normal. Full functional improvement often takes 2 to 6 weeks, supported by consistent post-op exercises and feeding work.
Where will my baby's tongue-tie release take place in Austin?
Latched Beginnings performs releases at 1701 Simond Ave, Suite 107A in Austin using the LightScalpel CO2 laser. Dr. Kacie Culotta and the all-mom team support families through the procedure and recovery. We serve families across Austin, Mueller, East Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, and Georgetown.
Call to Action
If you've been wondering whether your baby might have a tongue-tie, you don't have to figure it out alone. Dr. Kacie Culotta and the all-mom team at Latched Beginnings are here to listen, evaluate, and walk you through what's actually going on with your baby. Schedule a 1-on-1 consultation in Austin and let's talk through it together. Trust your instincts. We'll take it from there.
