Our Services

FAQ

Which babies can have a tongue tie division?

Assessment and division are generally suitable for most babies, including babies that have not had vitamin K. However, I do not perform divisions for:

• Lip ties.

• Babies over 12 months of age.

• Babies with a known bleeding disorder or a family history of bleeding (clotting) disorders.

• Babies with a known heart condition.

By booking an appointment, you confirm that none of these exclusions apply. If any of these conditions are present at the appointment, only a feeding and tongue-tie assessment will be conducted, and a division will not be possible.

How is a tongue-tie assessed and treated?

The Assessment: A professional assessment involves more than a quick look. It includes a full history of your feeding experience and a gentle physical examination. Using a gloved finger, I will feel how the tongue moves, lifts, and stretches.

The Procedure (Frenotomy): If a division is necessary, the procedure is quick and safe.

• The Process: The restrictive tissue is carefully divided using sterile, specialised scissors. The entire process takes only a few seconds.

• Pain Relief: For babies under 12 months, the area has very few nerve endings, so anesthesia is not required. Most babies are comforted immediately by a feed right after the procedure.

What are the risks involved?

While tongue-tie division is a routine procedure, all surgical interventions carry minor risks:

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

• Infection: Extremely rare (approx. 1 in 10,000).

• Reattachment: In roughly 2–4% of cases, the tissue may heal back together incorrectly, which may require a second procedure.

  Will it help with feeding immediately?

  Every baby is different. Some show an immediate improvement in their latch, while others need time to "re-learn" how to use their tongue. Think of it like a physical therapy recovery; the muscles need to gain strength and coordination. Consistent aftercare exercises and feeding support are key to long-term success.

  Why consider a private practitioner?

  Many families choose private care to avoid long NHS waiting lists during a time when every feed is a struggle. Private appointments generally offer:

  • More Time: Longer consultations to address positioning and latch in detail.

  • Comfort: The ability to have the assessment in your own home.

  • Ongoing Support: Direct access to your practitioner for follow-up questions and reassessments.

Common Myths & Misconceptions

• "My baby is gaining weight, so it can't be a tongue-tie."

  • This is a common misconception. Many babies gain weight by working twice as hard, but this often leads to maternal pain, early weaning, or extreme infant exhaustion.

• "It will cause speech delays.”

  • There is no strong evidence that it causes a delay in when a child starts speaking or other speech difficulties.

• Will you see babies over 6 weeks old?

  • Yes, I can assess and complete divisions on babies up to 12 months old.

• Will you see bottle feeding babies?

  • Yes, I can see babies who are exclusively bottle fed (formula or expressed breast milk).

• Will you see my baby even if he or she is gaining weight?

  • Yes, even with good weight gain, a tongue tie may still be present and contribute to other symptoms.

• Can you see my baby if I chose not to have Vitamin K at birth?

  • Yes, as long as there is no family history of a bleeding disorder. A comprehensive discussion about potential bleeding risks will be conducted.