Tongue Tie Treatment (Frenulotomy)

Not all ‘tongue ties’ cause a problem with feeding and can be left. However, if your baby is experiencing feeding problems due to a tight or short frenulum, or you are concerned about future difficulties, it may help to have the ‘tongue tie’ released (divided using a special type of surgical scissors).

As an experienced Lactation Consultant I will carrying out a full breastfeeding assessment. I will assess your baby’s tongue function and advise as to whether the ‘tie’ is likely to be causing the baby feeding difficulties and discuss with you whether you wish to go ahead and have it divided or not.  Appointments are available at a time to suit you and your family. I offer prompt home visits to release the tongue tie and support you with the on-going care of your baby’s feeding.

What is a tongue tie?

A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) refers to a condition in which the thin piece of skin under the baby’s tongue (lingual frenulum) is abnormally short or tight. In some babies this piece of skin is attached too far forward, near the tip of the tongue, or is short and tight which restricts natural movement.

Tongue ties can be classified as full, partial or posterior. How the tongue tie looks is not necessarily an indication of the way the baby can use its tongue. Problems may have been picked up by your midwife or health visitor or you may have noticed it yourself, perhaps when your baby was crying or you may be experiencing difficulty latching the baby on to your breast (See our Breastfeeding Support page for help).

Problems associated with tongue tie may include:

Difficulty with latching the baby on / maintaining the latch

Sore or cracked nipples

Poor weight gain

Frequent or constant feeding

Why choose me to help with your baby’s tongue tie?

I have over nine years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of tongue tie running a weekly clinic for the NHS and having divided thousands of tongue ties since my original training with Carolyn Westcott, Midwife IBCLC at Southampton Hospital where the treatment was originally researched and pioneered.

Since going into private practice I have treated 100’s of baby’s in and around London and Sussex and would be happy to chat to you about worries you might have.

Here is an link to an article you might find useful and an excellent YouTube clip that accurately shows you how the simple procedure is carried out.

About Tongue Tie

Watch on YouTube

Post Procedure Wound Care Information

About Lip Tie

Useful websites:

NHS website
La Leche League
TongueTie.net

Please Get in touch if you would like to discuss your baby and book a Tongue Tie Assessment Appointment. Read more about how the assessment will be carried out.

I work across Sussex including but not limited to Brighton, Hove, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Lewes, Crawley, East Grinstead, Horsham, Worthing, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Eastbourne, Uckfield, Tunbridge Wells, Steyning and Hastings. I also perform Tongue Tie Assessment and Division in Kent, Surrey and South London.