Tongue-tie support

We offer tongue-tie assessment, support and tongue-tie procedures for babies with feeding problems under 6 months.

What is a tongue-tie in babies?

"Tongue-tie" is a term used to describe tongue restriction caused by a short or tight membrane under the tongue (lingual frenulum).

Tongue restriction isn't necessarily a tongue-tie, so we always recommend an assessment from an experienced tongue-tie specialist.

How does a tongue-tie impact breast or bottle-feeding?

For a baby to feed effectively their tongue needs to:

extend over their lip to draw in the breast tissue or bottle

move up and down to form a vacuum to remove the milk and control the milk flow

cup and spread to sustain a deep and effective latch

If these movements are restricted then feeding is also likely to be affected. However, a tongue-tie division isn't always necessary.

Neck & jaw stiffness after birth can also affect tongue function. In our complex feeding clinic, our partnering paediatric osteopath can help give your baby the correct diagnosis.

What to expect in a tongue-tie assessment

Luci will carefully assess your baby using the Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (ATLFF) developed by Alison Hazelbaker.

Luci will assess:

the function of your baby's tongue (movement of the tongue, including lift, extension, lateral movement, cup and spread of the tongue and wave-like action

the appearance of your baby's tongue (the shape of the tip, length of the frenulum, stretchiness of the frenulum, where it attaches to the tongue and the gum ridge)

If a tongue-tie is diagnosed, Luci will check if repositioning or adjustments can improve the feeding.

If it's clear that everything has been done to improve the feeding yet there are still problems, then a tongue-tie can be divided (released) with your consent.

What to expect in a tongue-tie procedure

Your practitioner Luci Lishman will aim to make the tongue-tie division (also known as tongue-tie surgery) as gentle and quick as possible.

Before the procedure

Luci will help you swaddle your baby ready for the procedure. You can then cuddle your baby while she prepares her equipment and sterile gloves.

During the procedure

Luci will gently lift your baby's tongue with one finger to stretch the frenulum. She then makes a small incision with sterile scissors that are curved and round-ended.

After the incision has been made she will apply pressure under the tongue with sterile gauze and bring your baby over to feed.

After the procedure

Luci will provide feeding support and ensure there is no bleeding before you go home. You will be given a pack of sterile gauze, and aftercare advice.

Please get in touch for more information or

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Tongue-tie FAQs

What makes breastfeeding so special?

Breast milk is a truly natural and organic food designed especially for your individual baby. By choosing to breastfeed you are giving your baby the best chance of a healthier life with long lasting benefits. Benefits for 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 with breastfeeding 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 stronger bones later life reducing your risk of osteoporosis As well as all the health benefits of breastfeeding, it also promotes an exceptional bond between mother and baby, giving an enormous amount of fulfillment and satisfaction. Read more in the Health Benefits of Breastfeeding.
If breastfeeding is natural why can it be so hard?

Knowing all of the benefits of breastfeeding can make it even more distressing when feeding isn't going as easy as you had hoped or seen online. Most babies are born able to feed but for some mothers it is a skill that has to be learned. Our lactation consultants at the Chiltern Breastfeeding Partnership can help you acquire this skill. Most problems including sore nipples and slow weight gain can be overcome by positioning your baby to the breast more comfortably (remember breastfeeding shouldn't hurt!). It should be an enjoyable time for you and your baby. In other cases your baby may have strains and tensions from the birth delivery that can affect feeding. An assessment from a paediatric osteopath can help identify underlying issues. We offer this as part for our complex feeding clinic.
What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant?

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is qualified in providing breastfeeding support to mothers and babies. They must take an independent examination and undergo study to possesses the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes. 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
What other breastfeeding support is available?

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
Further useful websites and resources

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

Tongue-tie frequently asked questions

' Luci was fantastic. Professional, knowledgeable, experienced, supportive I couldn't have asked for more. She explained everything very well to give me an informed choice. She offers fab aftercare which we didn't need as my baby feeding well following tongue tie revision. I would highly recommend Luci to anyone requiring her services, Thank you'.

Elaine