The centre offers a Tongue Tie division service for babies from birth to six months of age. This is open to both breast and bottle fed babies who are experiencing feeding difficulties. Petra is our resident Tongue Tie Practitioner with over 6 years experience. A Registered Midwife for over 20 years, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant & Craniosacral Therapist.
What is a Tongue Tie?
The Lingual Frenulum is the small piece of membrane underneath the tongue. The frenulum needs to be long and stretchy to allow free movement of the tongue. When a baby is tongue tied the frenulum is short and thick and is situated more towards the front of the tongue. For a baby to be able to feed properly they need to have a good range of movement in their tongue. Not all tongue ties are easily seen or are misdiagnosed, if you are experiencing any of the problems below we advise you to consider having your baby assessed.
What symptoms might I see if my baby is Tongue Tied?
For a breast feeding mum the most likely symptoms are sore damaged nipples and pain throughout feeding. For the baby difficulty latching on, staying deeply latched, feeding frequently, tiring easily, wind, hiccups and weight loss.
Babies who are bottle fed can also take a long time to feed, feed too quickly, dribble excessively, choke and splutter.
What does the procedure involve?
It is a very quick and simple procedure. Baby is swaddled in a blanket to keep little hands safely out of the way. A parent will be asked keep their head still for the procedure. Using sterile single use scissors the restricted frenulum is released in a matter of seconds. Gauze is applied to the wound site to absorb the tiny amount of blood and your baby is brought straight to mum for feeding. Feeding is important in soothing your baby and helps in assessing any immediate improvement to feeding. Breastfeeding mothers will be supported with positioning and attachment.
I may also recommend additional support or treatments. (See below) Once your baby has completed a feed I will check their mouth to confirm bleeding has stopped before you are discharged home. Pre & Post photographs will be taken and form part of your babies medical record. If there is no tongue tie I will offer recommendations for ongoing feeding support.
For more information visit Petra's website HERE or call 07983 267512 and ask for appointment in Wellingborough, or book online HERE
Tongue Tie Testimony review by Rebecca 27th May 2021:
'Petra is amazing! She makes you feel so as ease and provides so much information before doing the tongue tie procedure, the difference it has made to our son is fab, even with the first feed you can tell the difference straight away! We have recommended Petra to anyone we know who have any concerns about tongue tie and we will continue to do so a she is so fab at what she does! I loved the craniosacral therapy at the end too, seeing my little one so relaxed was lovely! Thank you so much Petra!'
Tongue Tie Testimony review from client 23rd Nov 2023
We just want to say thank you so much!! Originally we were both a bit nervous but Petra went through everything in such a friendly manner and made us feel so much more confident/comfortable straight away! There was time taken to understand what was going on and why the procedure was beneficial for our baby boy Luca. The division itself we were both worried about but it was done quickly and professionally! It was nice to then have a chat to put our minds at ease with any questions we had and it was reassuring
when he was checked a further time after the procedure. I couldn’t be happier what the experience it was so positive and I will be absolutely recommending Petra to other families.
The photograph below is the sole property of Petra Traynor, it is protected by copyright and therefore must not be copied or reproduced.
Phone: 01933 224454