Question 1

What makes breastfeeding so special?

Accepted Answer

By choosing to breastfeed you are giving your baby the best chance of a healthier life with long lasting benefits. Breast milk is a truly natural and organic food designed especially for your individual baby. The benefits to your baby include protection against stomach viruses, chest and ear infections. A formula fed baby is 15 times more likely to be admitted to hospital in the first 4 months of life than a breastfed baby. Later on your child is less likely to suffer from obesity related conditions such as diabetes, raised blood pressure or high cholesterol. There are health benefits to you too including less chance of breast and ovarian cancer and your bones will be stronger in later life reducing your risk of osteoporosis. As well as all the health benefits breastfeeding promotes an exceptional bond between mother and baby and gives an enormous amount of fulfilment and satisfaction. Health Benefits of Breastfeeding

Question 2

If it's so natural why do people have difficulties?

Accepted Answer

Knowing all of these benefits can make it even more distressing when breastfeeding isn't proving as easy as you had hoped.  Most babies are born able to feed but for some mothers it is a skill that has to be learned.  We at Chiltern Breastfeeding Partnership can help you acquire that skill.  Most problems including sore nipples and slow weight gain can be overcome by showing you how to position and attach your baby to the breast more comfortably. Remember BREASTFEEDING SHOULDN'T HURT!  It should be an enjoyable time for you and your baby.

Question 3

What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant?

Accepted Answer

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (I.B.C.L.C) is an individual who, by qualifying for and taking an independent examination, possesses the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide quality breastfeeding assistance to mothers and babies. To maintain the qualification, recertification needs to occur every 5 years and the exam retaken every 10 years. An IBCLC can work either as a health professional, a volunteer or in private practice.  There are more than 16,000 International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in 57 countries across the world.  For more information visit the following websites -   International Lactation Consultant Association Lactation Consultants of Great Britain

Question 4

Useful Websites

Accepted Answer

International Lactation Consultant Association Breastfeeding Network La Leche League Baby Friendly Apple Tree Osteopaths sharing a common vision to support women, children and their families. Ameda breast pump equipment and hire Central Medical breast pump equipment and hire Medela breast pump equipment and hire

Question 5

What other Breastfeeding support is available?

Accepted Answer

NHS   Aylesbury Breastfeeding Clinic 10.00 -13.00 Mondays and Thursdays 
Tel: 01296 315799

Wycombe Breastfeeding Clinic 10.00 -13.00 Tuesdays and Fridays
Tel: 07798 520830

Voluntary  
National Breastfeeding helpline Tel: 0300 100 0212
Tel: 0300 456 2421 (In Bengali and Sylhetti)

National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Breastfeeding Line (8am-10pm)
Tel: 0300 33 00 771

Breastfeeding Network Supporterline
Tel: 0870 9008787 (automatic connection to local breastfeeding supporter)

La Leche League
Tel: 0845 120 2918

Question 6

Where can I find more information?

Accepted Answer

If you would like more information please contact us or have a look at the following links,

The Association of Tongue-tie Practitioners  NICE guidelines on Tongue-tie division    Midirs article on Tongue-tie.

Question 7

What does the procedure involve?

Accepted Answer

If your baby has a tongue-tie the procedure and risks will be thoroughly explained to you, so you can make an informed decision. If you agree to the procedure you will then be asked to sign a consent form.   The procedure is very simple and quick.   Your baby is swaddled and you will be shown how to hold your baby’s head gently.   Sterile gloves are worn and the tongue is elevated with a finger and the lower lip held down to expose and stretch the frenulum. The tongue-tie is then divided using sterile, sharp, round ended scissors without the need for an anaesthetic.   Babies may feel a small amount of pain, if any, and usually settle quickly and are able to feed straight away.   There is usually very little bleeding and any oozing is controlled by applying pressure to the area with sterile gauze and encouraging feeding as soon as possible.   You will be given support afterwards and an agreed plan will be discussed with you to help you with your ongoing feeding experience.   Aftercare information will be given to you including exercises to help reinforce your baby’s increased tongue mobility.   Ongoing support is available within our free follow up clinic or within our private clinics.

Question 8

What is a tongue-tie?

Accepted Answer

A tongue-tie is when the membrane (lingual frenulum) connecting the tongue to the underside of the mouth is shortened or tight leading to restricted tongue mobility. It is called an anterior tongue-tie when it attaches nearer to the tip of the tongue and a posterior tongue-tie when it attaches further back towards the floor of the mouth.   Some tongue-ties are more obvious and may be detected soon after birth. The tongue may appear heart shaped and obviously restricted. Some, however, are less obvious and are identified through feeding difficulties and detailed assessment of tongue function.   A tongue-tie may affect the ability of the tongue to lift, move laterally and protrude, this can contribute to feeding difficulties.   The general incidences of tongue-tie are unknown, however a study conducted in Southampton found 10% of babies were tongue-tied, with half having associated feeding difficulties. There was also a family history of tongue-tie in half of the babies seen.

Question 9

How can tongue-tie be treated / managed?

Accepted Answer

Some babies can feed perfectly well despite having a tongue-tie. Therefore, adjustments to positioning and attachment may be all that is needed to resolve problems with feeding. It is advisable to seek specialist breastfeeding support.

If problems continue despite specialist support, then tongue-tie division or frenulotomy is an option. You may be able to get an NHS referral from your local breastfeeding clinic or GP. See the link to The Association of Tongue-tie Practitioners website for a list of some of the hospitals that provide the procedure and a list of private practitioners.

We can provide specialist feeding support and tongue-tie division in our private clinic or in the comfort of your home.

Question 10

What does a tongue-tie look like before and after the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Question 11

What problems can it cause?

Accepted Answer

To breastfeed effectively, a baby needs to be able to open their mouth wide, extend their tongue and draw in an adequate amount of breast tissue. A good seal needs to be made around the breast and the tongue needs to move effectively to remove the milk. These movements can also be important for bottle feeding. If a baby has a tongue-tie that restricts this ability to feed effectively then the following problems may be evident:   For the mother – painful feeding, damaged nipples, poor drainage of the breast leading to engorgement or mastitis, difficulty establishing and maintaining an adequate milk supply, resulting exhaustion, and early cessation of breastfeeding.   For the baby – difficulty getting and sustaining a deep attachment to the breast or bottle, frequent or very long feeds, weight gain concerns, difficulty controlling the flow of the milk leading to dribbling and choking easily, reflux, noisy feeding and wind problems.   Long term problems may result in tooth decay as there can be difficulty in removing food debris from the back teeth. There may also be an increased risk of speech problems but this is controversial and the evidence is not clear.   Please note that there may be other causes of these problems aside from tongue-tie, so skilled assessment and breastfeeding support is important. Ineffective positioning and attachment to the breast or other bio mechanical issues such as jaw or neck problems may also contribute to feeding issues. Sometimes osteopathic assessment and treatment is helpful.

TONGUE-TIE SUPPORT

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT

TONGUE-TIE FURTHER INFORMATION

USEFUL LINKS & INFORMATION