How Do I Know If Feeding Support And Tongue Tie Assessment Will Work For Me & My Baby?
You don't need to commit to treatment before finding out whether it's likely to help.
Before booking an appointment, you can speak with our Tongue-Tie Expert directly, either by phone or WhatsApp about the feeding challenges you're experiencing.
We'll ask a few questions about your baby's symptoms, feeding patterns, weight gain, comfort during feeds and any concerns you might have.
Based on what you tell us, we'll give you an honest opinion about whether tongue-tie assessment and feeding support are likely to help in your situation. If we don't think tongue-tie is the most likely cause of the problem, we'll tell you.
Our aim is to help you make an informed decision, not to pressure you into booking an appointment.
Many parents find that a quick conversation gives them clarity about what's happening and what their next steps should be.
Does this Describe You?
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My baby is feeding all the time but never seems satisfied.
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Feeding hurts.
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My baby is so windy and uncomfortable.
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Feeding takes over my entire day.
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Nobody is getting any sleep.
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I know something isn't right, but nobody seems to listen.
If you answered yes to any of the above, then great news, you're in the right place!
We're proud of our reputation that we've built helping mums and babies in Essex and the surrounding areas to address their feeding problems and tongue tie.
By assessing and, if necessary, performing a tongue tie division, we can encourage successful feeding, via the Essex Infant Feeding Programme.
The Reality of Feeding That Nobody Talks About...
Feeding Doesn't Always Come Naturally
Many mothers expect feeding to be instinctive for both them and their baby. When it's painful, stressful, or difficult, they can feel like they're doing something wrong.
Feeding is a skill that both mother and baby learn together and sometimes physical challenges such as tongue-tie can make that learning process much harder.
Exhaustion Can Take Over Your Life
When feeding isn't going well, parents can find themselves trapped in a cycle of feeding, winding, settling, changing and starting all over again.
Persistent feeding difficulties don't just affect feeding. They affect sleep, recovery, relationships, confidence and overall wellbeing.
You Can Know Something Is Wrong Before Anyone Else Does
Many mothers sense that feeding isn't right long before they receive an explanation. They may be told it's normal, that the baby will grow out of it, or that they're worrying unnecessarily.
Parents are often the first to notice when something isn't working. Seeking support isn't overreacting. It's advocating for your baby and yourself.
How Does The Essex Infant Feeding Programme Work?
Having seen hundreds of mums & babies over nearly 15 years, we understand the frustration.
It's why we created the Essex Infant Feeding Programme.
It allows mums and babies to benefit from tongue-tie procedures & the very best feeding support without trying a different bottle, prescriptions for reflux or just 'perservering!'
Tongue Tie Assessment
Frenulotomy
Breastfeeding Support
You'll start with a thorough tongue tie assessment to determine the best course of action to alleviate feeding difficulties and enhance the feeding experience.
If required, we provide gentle frenulotomy (tongue tie division) to improve feeding, comfort and ensuring a smooth transition for both mothers and babies.
Our support extends to breastfeeding consultations, providing guidance and strategies for successful feeding practices tailored to the individual needs of each family.
Bottle Feeding Assistance
Home Consultations
Family-Centered Care
We assist families with bottle feeding challenges, offering practical advice to create a comfortable feeding environment and improve feeding techniques.
Consultations are conducted in the comfort of your home, allowing us to provide personalised care that respects your family's unique dynamics and needs.
Our focus is on family-centered care, working closely with parents to develop trust and ensure that both mother and child feel supported throughout their feeding journey.
How Does A Tongue-Tie Division Treat Infant Feeding Issues?
A tongue-tie division helps by removing a physical restriction that may be limiting your baby's tongue movement during feeding.
When the tongue can move more freely, babies are often able to latch better, maintain suction more effectively and transfer milk more efficiently. This can make feeding more comfortable, less tiring, and more productive.
For many families, this means less pain whilst feeding, shorter feeds, a more settled baby, and greater confidence that their baby is feeding well.
By improving tongue mobility, many babies feed more comfortably, maintain a good latch, and take in less air—whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed.
Why Families Choose Us...
"Lindsay's support was invaluable. Thanks to her guidance, my breastfeeding journey has been so much smoother!"
Sarah
"The home consultation made everything so easy. Lindsay truly understands the challenges we faced."
Emily
"I highly recommend Lindsay Hellier Tongue Tie Services! Her expertise made a world of difference for our family."
Mark
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my baby has a tongue-tie?
Some common signs include feeding difficulties, frequent feeding, excessive wind, clicking sounds during feeds, difficulty maintaining suction, dribbling milk, prolonged feeding sessions, or a baby who never seems fully satisfied after feeding. A feeding assessment can help determine whether tongue-tie may be contributing to these challenges.
2. How do I know whether a tongue-tie release will help my baby?
Before booking an appointment, we can discuss the feeding difficulties you're experiencing and help you understand whether tongue-tie is likely to be contributing. If we don't believe tongue-tie is the cause of the problem, we'll tell you honestly.
3. Can tongue-tie affect bottle-fed babies?
Yes. Tongue-tie can affect any baby who relies on tongue movement to feed. Some bottle-fed babies struggle to maintain suction, take in excess air, dribble milk, become tired during feeds, or take a long time to finish a bottle.
4. Does every tongue-tie need to be released?
No. Some babies have a tongue-tie but feed well and show no signs of difficulty. Treatment is usually only considered when the tongue restriction is affecting feeding or causing other functional problems.
5. What happens during a tongue-tie release?
A tongue-tie release is a quick procedure that involves dividing the lingual frenulum (restrictive tissue beneath the tongue). The procedure usually takes only a few seconds, and most babies are able to feed shortly afterwards.
6. Will the procedure hurt my baby?
Most babies cry for a short period, although this is often due to being held still rather than discomfort from the procedure itself. Many babies settle quickly once they are reunited with their parent and offered a feed.
7. How soon will I notice an improvement?
Some families notice changes immediately, while for others improvements happen more gradually over days or weeks. Every baby is different, and feeding support following treatment can play an important role in achieving the best outcome.
8. Are there any risks involved?
Tongue-tie release is generally considered a low-risk procedure when performed by a suitably trained practitioner. As with any procedure, there are potential risks, which will be fully discussed with you before any treatment takes place.
9. What if my baby's feeding problems aren't caused by tongue-tie?
That's exactly why a thorough assessment is important. Not all feeding difficulties are caused by tongue-tie. If we believe another issue may be contributing, we'll explain our findings and discuss the most appropriate next steps.
10. Do I need a referral from my GP or health visitor?
In most cases, no referral is required. Parents can contact us directly to discuss their concerns, ask questions, and arrange an assessment if appropriate.
11. How much does it cost?
The cost of a tongue-tie assessment is £90. If, following the assessment, it is determined that a tongue-tie release is appropriate and you choose to proceed, there is an additional £90 fee for the procedure, making the total cost £180. In most cases, the assessment and tongue-tie release can be carried out during the same appointment, so there is no need to wait for a different appointment. We will always discuss our findings with you first and explain your options before any procedure takes place.