Tongue Tie Specialist - East & West Sussex, Kent & Hampshire.
Feeding Assessment and Support
When something feels wrong, but nobody can tell you what it is. You know your baby.
You knew something wasn't right before anyone else did.
Maybe it sounds like this:
"I know it's hard, but this seems wrong."
"I've seen so many people, and we still haven't got to the bottom of it."
"Is it tongue tie, or is it something else?"
"We can't go on like this."
If any of that sounds familiar, you're not overreacting. You're paying attention.
Feeding problems don't always come with a clear answer, and going from appointment to appointment without one is exhausting, especially when you're the one holding it all together at 3am.
A proper feeding assessment gives you a straight answer
This isn't another five minute check. It's time, attention, and a clear picture of what's actually going on, whether that's tongue tie, positioning, supply, or something else entirely. You'll leave knowing what the problem is and what to do about it, not with another "let's wait and see."
Appointments generally take around two hours, regardless of your chosen method of feeding.
Feeding problems are rarely caused by one thing. What I'm looking for is the actual cause, which might be tongue function, might be positioning, or the baby's gestation or it might be something about the birth. Indeed, it can often be a combination of all of these factors.
What happens in an assessment
Appropriate oral function is just as important for babies who are both breast fed and bottle fed. I will visit you in your home and spend time during the appointment listening to you talk about your pregnancy, your birth, and how feeding has gone so far. I will also watch how your baby actually feeds, as well as examining their mouth.
In fact, what I'm looking at goes well beyond your baby's mouth. Clenched fists, general tension, how settled or unsettled your baby seems, all of it tells me something about how they're coping, not just what their tongue is doing. Tongue function matters, but it's rarely the whole story.
Once I've built a full picture, I'll talk you through what I've found and discuss a plan with you.
Increasingly, that plan may not involve a tongue tie division at all.
Where a division genuinely is needed, I'll walk you through exactly what to expect in the coming days and weeks.
If follow-up support is needed after an assessment, I provide it. I don't think families should be left to manage feeding difficulties alone once an appointment ends.
"I can honestly say without your amazing support I would not be so happily breastfeeding now. I really thought I would end up in hospital and not be able to breastfeed. It was a close call, but I couldn't have done it without you and your unwavering support and positive attitude."
— Georgie, Jon & Freddie
What this costs
£150
Initial assessment
£90
Follow-up visits
I support families in a wide geographical area, covering East & West Sussex, Kent & Hampshire. Additional fuel surcharge may be applied dependent on your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my baby has a tongue tie?
You might not, and that's rather the point. What I'm looking for is the cause of the feeding difficulty, which may or may not be a tongue tie. That's what the assessment is for.
Do I need a referral from my GP or health visitor?
No. You can get in touch directly.
Does the assessment hurt my baby?
The assessment itself is gentle and non-invasive. If a division is needed, I'll explain exactly what that involves and what to expect.
How soon can you see us?
Get in touch and I'll do my best to see you quickly. Feeding problems don't wait, and neither do I.
What if you assess my baby and don't think a tongue tie is the issue?
Then I'll tell you that honestly, and we'll talk through what I think would help instead.
Do you see us again afterward?
Yes. Follow-up support is part of how I work, particularly if a division was needed.
My baby is 10 months old, will you see us?
Yes, I can see babies up to one year old, including little ones with teeth.
Will you do a tongue tie division if my baby has not had vitamin K?
After due consideration on your part regarding the risk of tongue tie division, and a signed consent form that you've reviewed, read and understood, yes.
Ready to have someone experienced in your corner?
Drop me a message or contact me directly and let's see if we’re a good fit for each other.