Understanding the Tongue-Tie Assessment

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It is helpful to know that not every baby with a tongue-tie will need a procedure. During our time together, we will talk through your full feeding history, look closely at how your baby attaches to the breast, and evaluate their tongue function. My goal is to ensure we only proceed with a release if it is completely clear that the tongue-tie is the true root cause of your feeding struggles.

 

What Happens During the Procedure?

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If we discover that a tongue-tie release (frenulotomy) is the right step to help your breastfeeding journey, we can carry it out right after the assessment.

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• Quick and Gentle: The procedure itself is incredibly brief—carefully dividing the tight tissue with sterile scissors takes just one to two seconds.

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• Why No Anaesthetic? We do not use numbing medication or anaesthetic. Research shows that this area has very few nerve endings, making the process relatively painless. More importantly, it is essential that your baby can nurse immediately afterward, as feeding naturally minimizes and stops any minor bleeding.

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• Immediate Support: The very moment the procedure is finished, I will bring your baby straight back to your arms, help you attach them to the breast, and support you through the feed with gentle guidance on positioning.

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Understanding the Risks

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While this is a very common and straightforward procedure, it is my job to keep your baby completely safe. As with any minor clinical procedure, there are a few rare risks involved, including excessive bleeding, a small risk of infection, or the tissue accidentally re-attaching as it heals. These complications are uncommon, and we will talk through them completely so you feel safe and informed before making any decisions.

 

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

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To help make the appointment go as smoothly and comfortably as possible for your little one, please keep the following in mind:-

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• Timing Their Last Feed: Because your baby needs to nurse immediately after the procedure, it helps if they are beautifully ready for a feed. Please try to time things so they haven’t been fed for about two hours prior to your appointment.

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• A Few Important Safety Questions: For your baby’s safety, please let me know ahead of time if:

 

• Your baby did not receive the standard Vitamin K injection shortly after birth.

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• There is any family history of bleeding or clotting disorders.

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• Your midwife noticed any unusual or excessive bleeding during your baby’s day-5 heel prick test.

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Knowing these details allows me to provide the safest, most tailored care possible for your family. We are in this together, and I will be right beside you every single step of the way.