How soon can I get a private tongue tie appointment?

If you live in Brighton and I am coming to your home, I aim to see you within 24 hours of first contact. If you are coming to see me for an appointment I will book you into my Brighton clinic. I aim to do this within 48 hours of first contact.

Do you travel outside Brighton or Sussex for private tongue tie appointments?

If you are unable to find a private tongue tie practitioner in your area then please call me and we can arrange something for you. I have a beautiful clinic space in Brighton, it has private parking and is also next to Preston Park train station.

What can I do whilst waiting for a private tongue tie appointment?

Keep your baby close and encourage optimal positioning and attachment. If your baby isn’t latching or is latching but is not breastfeeding well, it is a good idea to use a double electric breast pump. Milk is made on a supply and demand basis. Milk needs to be removed to be made. When babies are not breastfeeding, milk needs to be removed regularly to send the message to produce more. Babies would usually feed between 8-12 times in 24 hours. If you are pumping instead of direct breastfeeding then pumping between 8-10 times every 24 hours will provide milk for your baby and protect your milk supply. This expressed milk can be given using the paced bottle feeding method.

Do all tongue tie’s need treating?

No. Many babies can feed perfectly well with what looks like a visible tongue tie. If you are not having any feeding problems then there is no need to do anything. I do not treat babies unless there is restricted function together with feeding problems.

Does a tongue tie procedure hurt?

Some babies sleep through the procedure, others get more upset. It is a very quick procedure and is not thought to be particularly painful. No anaesthetic is used. Babies over 8 weeks can have Calpol, as per the instructions on the bottle if they seem particularly sore or upset.

What causes tongue tie?

We all have a membrane under our tongue called a lingual frenulum. The frenulum is a membrane like remnant of tissue left behind during early gestation. If it is short or tight and causes restricted tongue mobility it is considered a tongue tie. Tongue tie can run in families and is more common in boys.

Who should diagnose a tongue tie?

Someone properly trained in oral assessments and ideally someone who is also a skilled lactation professional. I have assessed and treated many hundreds of babies and infants over the years. Many feeding problems can be solved with enhanced lactation support and surgery can be avoided.