Tongue Tie updates
As an IBCLC I am constantly learning, and one of those places to learn with other professionals. In April 2026 I went to Portland, Oregon for the ICAP conference. The International Consortium of Oral Ankylofrenula Professionals (ICAP) was formed in 2016 and it’s an international, interdisciplinary group of professionals that work with tongue tie patients. That’s the magic that makes this group amazing. All different disciplines- Dentists, IBCLCs, SLPs, OTs, Osteopaths, Midwives, OMTs, ENTs, PTs, and many more get together to listen and learn from each other. All different countries/continents come together to learn.
This was my first in person ICAP conference and it was amazing. Here is a very short recap of the conference and why it matters for parents:
-Dr Scott Siegel spoke on complications and risks of frenectomies. This is crucial because if you aren’t looking at what can go wrong, or mistakes, how will you improve?
-Carol Gray spoke on tension and the importance of movement during pregnancy. This gave real ways parents could help babies in utero.
-Dr Jenna Davis spoke on how important regulation is before release. This is a great reminder that we can’t heal and learn new skills without first being calm and ready.
-Danielle Carey spoke on neuro-affirming care and how recognizing and supporting sensory needs helps patients thrive.
-Dr Bobby Ghaheri spoke on how to increase outcomes with communication. Getting all providers on the same page is beneficial most of all to the patient!
-Stefano Colasanto spoke on the whole body effects of tongue tie and posture. This can help families see what happens with untreated ties.
-Jess Draper spoke on nervous system regulation. Again, this shows the importance of supporting the nervous system before release.
-Melissa Cole spoke on lactation care with ties. Being the first line of support to families with ties leads to better outcomes.
-Dr Raymond Tseng spoke on research. This means we will have more studies, more evidence and be able to make clearer recommendations for the future of oral ties.
-And lastly, Dr Nada Makki-Karnib spoke on neuro-rehabilitation in patients with ties. This is another reminder of the importance of the nervous system first.
Out of 10 speakers, 5 focused primarily on the nervous system, just in different ways. Understanding how our brain and nervous system works, focusing on that FIRST should always be a priority. This is one of MANY reasons that rushing off to release is a bad idea that leads to poor outcomes.
Honestly, I have tons of notes (47 pages on a Google Doc!!!) from the conference. It was fantastic! A wonderful way to learn with other professionals, all asking questions, not to second-guess each other but to encourage each of us to push a little farther, to ask a little more of ourselves and figure out a better way forward. This conference was so much more than I expected and I hope to attend many more in the future.
If you have questions about this, or anything, please reach out. I’m always happy to connect with parents and professionals.