Tongue Tie FAQ

Clinical Care & Mobile Tongue Tie Clinic Service

Do I need a referral to visit your private tongue-tie clinic?

No. As a Specialist Private Midwife, I accept direct bookings. You do not need a referral from your GP or Health Visitor to access my mobile clinic services across London and Greater London. I travel to you for home visits.

What happens during a home visit tongue tie assessment?

A professional assessment is far more than a "quick look." It is a 60–120 minute clinical consultation. We review your feeding history, birth story, and baby's symptoms. I perform a physical examination to assess tongue lift, lateralisation, and body tension. This unhurried care ensures we address the root cause of feeding challenges.

Do you offer weekend or Sunday appointments?

Yes. I recognise that feeding challenges are often urgent. I offer Saturday and Sunday home visits across London by request.

The Functional Approach & Bodywork

Why do you offer two different Pathways?

Not every baby is ready for a surgical division on the first day. Following a functional first philosophy, I believe in preparing the baby's body for the best outcome.

• Pathway 1: For babies where the restriction is clear and oral function allows for a safe, immediate division.

• Pathway 2: A phased approach for complex feeding challenges. This prioritises oral therapy and bodywork first, ensuring the baby is "functionally ready" before we consider surgery. this is also a great option for parents that are less keen to do a division (frenulotomy).

What is "Bodywork" and why is it important?

Tongue-tie doesn't just affect the mouth; it can create tension through the jaw, neck, and the entire "midline" of the baby's body. I incorporate gentle bodywork and oral motor exercises to help release this tension. By addressing the whole body, we often find that feeding mechanics improve significantly, supporting a more comfortable recovery.

Why might my baby not benefit from a division on the same day?

If a baby has body tension or a very disorganised suck, an immediate division can sometimes be counterproductive. The tongue is a muscle; if it is "tethered" by tension elsewhere in the body, cutting the frenulum won't fix the underlying struggle. My training with Carmelle Gentle's method helps me identify when a baby needs a "prep phase" to ensure the tongue is actually capable of moving freely post-procedure.

Symptoms & Safety

What are the common "Red Flags" for tongue-tie?

• For Baby: Difficulty maintaining a latch, clicking sounds, excessive gas/reflux, and poor weight gain.

• For Mother: Painful, damaged nipples, mastitis, and low milk supply.

• For Bottle-Feeding: Milk dribbling, feeds taking over an hour, or excessive air intake.

Is your tongue-tie service CQC regulated?

Yes. To ensure the highest safety standards, my services operate with CQC (Care Quality Commission) oversight via the Natal Network. I am a registered member of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Association of Tongue-Tie Practitioners (ATP).

What are the risks of a private frenulotomy (division)?

Frenotomy is a routine and safe procedure. Minor risks include:

• Bleeding: Significant bleeding is rare (approx. 1 in 3,000–5,000).

• Infection: Highly uncommon (approx. 1 in 10,000).

• Reattachment: In 2–4% of cases, tissue may heal back with restricted mobility, which is why I provide specific aftercare exercises.

Pricing & Recovery

How much does a private tongue-tie assessment and division cost?

I provide transparent, clinical pricing with no hidden travel fees:

• Specialist Assessment & Feeding Support: £200 (Required for all families).

• Pathway 1 (Total): £290 (Assessment + Division performed in one visit). £200 assessment cost is included.

• Pathway 2 (Total): £350 (Phased approach with oral therapy before division). Includes care across two home visits for for feeding support, bodywork and division if required. £200 assessment cost is included.

• NIPE (Newborn Exam): £250.

Will a division help my baby's feeding immediately?

Some babies show immediate improvement, while others need time to "re-learn" how to use their tongue muscles. The division removes the "tether," but the muscles then need coordination. This is why my pathways include ongoing feeding support to ensure a sustainable journey for you and your baby.