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:
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extend over their lip to draw in the breast tissue or bottle
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move up and down to form a vacuum to remove the milk and control the milk flow
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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:
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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
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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
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