Tongue Tie Assessments and Division Specialists Liverpool

Also Serving Wirral, Cheshire and Manchester

Enhancing Your Baby's Feeding Experience

At Zita Maria, we understand the importance of your baby's feeding journey and the potential challenges that can arise, such as tongue-tie. We provide specialist Tongue-tie

services in Liverpool, Wirral, Cheshire and Manchester. Providing CQC registered excellence in state-of-the art clinics, with complementary on site parking. We also provide appointments in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

WHAT IS A TONGUE TIE?

During development, the tongue starts off completely attached to the floor of the mouth. Once the tongue is fully formed in utero around week 8, it begins to separate from the base of the mouth, becoming free to move around. The lingual frenulum is the name given to the connective tissue remnant under the tongue that serves to support and limit its movement in different directions. Yes, every person is born with one! For approximately 5-10% of babies, the tongue and floor of mouth separation process is disrupted in utero, leading to an abnormally short frenulum. The presentation can vary widely in thickness, elasticity and specific location on the tongue and floor of the mouth. Sometimes a frenulum may completely tether the tip of the tongue to the edge of the lower jaw. Different presentations may restrict tongue range of motion to varying degrees, and may impact oral motor development, feeding skills and breathing habits even in infancy. The medical term for tongue tie is “ankyloglossia” and studies show the defect is hereditary. A tongue tie diagnosis and treatment recommendation should be made based upon a true functional limitation. Simply seeing a frenulum under the tongue does not mean it is restricting tongue range of motion. Feeding assessments from appropriate specialists provide crucial insights on a baby’s oral motor skills and it takes an experienced provider to thoroughly investigate anatomical presentation and associated symptoms.

During infancy, the tongue needs full range of motion to create adequate suction to express milk from the breast. The front-mid portion of the tongue draws in, cups and compresses breast tissue while strength and flexibility in the mid-back portion of the tongue is needed to create the negative pressure to remove milk from the breast. A baby with a tongue tie may be unable to latch deeply onto the breast, leading to possible nipple pain and damage. When the tongue cannot extend up and over the lower jaw, a baby’s latch may feel uncomfortable. Maintaining a latch could pose as a challenge for these babies; some may remain attached to the breast for long periods of time without taking in enough milk. When the suction is compromised and a baby repetitively loses the seal at the breast or bottle, milk can consistently spill out the sides of the mouth and air may be swallowed, leading to excess gas and fussiness. A tongue tie may impact oral motor coordination and feeding efficiency at the breast or bottle.

HOW CAN A TONGUE TIE AFFECT BREAST AND BOTTLE FEEDING?

Early treatment of tongue tie can significantly improve breastfeeding outcomes. Breast milk is widely recognised as the healthiest way to nourish your baby, offering a range of benefits including enhanced immune protection and the ability to adapt to your baby's evolving needs. While breastfeeding may be the preferred choice for many new mothers, it can present unexpected difficulties.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TONGUE TIES

While the following symptoms are common amongst babies and their mothers, it is important to note that these signs can be linked to other factors and feeding challenges – they are not solely related to ties.

Mothers may experience:

Pain and/or nipple damage resulting from a shallow latch
Prolonged feeds
Plugged ducts/mastitis from incomplete breast drainage
Decreased milk production due to inefficient feeds
Exhaustion from frequent/constant feeding
Distress from failing to establish breastfeeding

Babies/toddlers may exhibit:

Consistent clicking noise during feeds, indicating a repeated loss of suction
Inefficient, long feeds resulting in exhaustion and frustration
Leaking of milk from sides of mouth from a poor latch
Air intake due to a disrupted seal leading to reflux/colic symptoms and gas pain
Coughing or gagging during feeds from suboptimal coordination patterns
Snoring, mouth breathing and/or wakeful sleep patterns due to low resting tongue posture
Difficulty in chewing/swallowing or managing foods/liquids/saliva

WHAT IS A LABIAL FRENULUM?

Just like under the tongue, every baby is born with connective tissue under the upper lip, called the labial frenulum. This tissue helps to anchor the lip to the jaw for proper movement and facial development. Almost 90% of babies are born with a frenulum that attaches to the lower edge of the gum line – the presence of the tissue is normal anatomy. As children get older and the jaw develops, the labial frenulum attachment has been shown to shift upward.

WHAT IS A LIP TIE AND HOW CAN IT AFFECT FEEDING?

An abnormally tight labial frenulum can disrupt the seal around the breast or bottle nipple, leading to increased air intake – contributing to reflux and gas symptoms or breast pain from the tight upper lip. The lip should play a passive role when a baby is feeding, gently rounding to maintain the seal at the breast or bottle nipple so milk doesn’t spill out. In toddlerhood, a short labial frenulum may impact a child’s comfort forming a seal on a straw or clearing food from a spoon.

Addressing tongue tie typically involves a procedure known as frenulotomy. This procedure requires a medical assessment by a trained professional, providing parents with an opportunity to discuss any other health concerns or feeding issues related to their baby. It serves as a comprehensive approach to managing tongue tie and ensuring optimal feeding and overall well-being.

By seeking tongue tie assessment and division, you can address these challenges head-on, promoting successful breastfeeding and a more comfortable feeding experience for both you and your baby. The procedure allows for improved milk transfer, reducing the likelihood of nipple damage and complications associated with inadequate drainage. It also helps alleviate symptoms such as colic, wind, and flatulence, leading to a more content and satisfied baby.

Choosing to treat tongue tie early provides the opportunity for better breastfeeding outcomes and overall feeding success.

Our team of dedicated professionals at Zita Maria Limited are here to support you and your baby throughout the assessment and division process, providing you with the solutions you need, whilst ensuring a compassionate and nurturing experience.

We encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss any concerns, explore treatment options, and embark on a journey towards improved feeding and well-being for your little one.

Tongue Tie and Assessment+/-Division

Clinic Based

A face-to-face consultation session in our Liverpool based clinic.
A thorough medical and feeding history from birth to the present
A comprehensive oral examination
Tongue tie division, if deemed suitable, will be carried out at the same appointment.
Feeding support after the procedure
Expert guidance and assistance for post-procedure care
Aftercare leaflet and exercise sheet to include videos
Development of a customised feeding plan, if necessary
A follow-up call and post procedure feeding support.
A follow-up appointment, either in our clinic, at home or virtually, as required
Additional follow-up appointments/feeding support can be arranged for an extra charge of £60 each.

£130- £230

Tongue Tie and Assessment+/-Division

Home Based

A face-to-face consultation session
A thorough medical and feeding history from birth to the present
A comprehensive oral examination
Tongue tie division, if deemed suitable, will be carried out at the same appointment.
Feeding support after the procedure
Expert guidance and assistance for post-procedure care
Aftercare leaflet and exercise sheet to include videos
Development of a customised feeding plan, if necessary
A follow-up call and post procedure feeding support.
A follow-up appointment, either in our clinic, at home or virtually, as required
Additional follow-up appointments/feeding support can be arranged for an extra charge of £60 each.

£180 -280

Tongue Tie Division Liverpool

Book

** Please note **

If you can not find a suitable appointment date or time on our booking calendar, please get in touch and we will arrange a date and time to suit you.

Why Choose Zita Maria For your babies Tongue-tie Assessment

Zita Maria

Rodney Street,
Liverpool
L1 9ED

Unparalleled Expertise

Our specialists bring high quality, professional care rooted in evidence-based practice.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Beautifully designed clinics that offer the latest in medical technology and with state-of-the-art equipment.

On-Site Medical Team

Our clinics are supported by an expert medical team, including consultant paediatricians and experienced GP's. This multi disciplinary approach ensures that any complications, however rare, are dealt with promptly and collaboratively, providing peace of mind that your child is in the safest hands.

Complimentary on-site parking and car charging facility

Enjoy the ease of secure, complimentary on-site parking at our clinics. Designed with new mothers in mind, our parking facilities are especially beneficial for those recovering from childbirth, including C-sections, making your visit as comfortable and hassle-free as possible.

At Home or At Our Specialist Private Clinic in Liverpool

Personalised, At-Home Care

We understand the importance of comfort and familiarity, especially for new parents and infants. That's why we offer the unique service of visiting families at home to perform assessments and procedures, ensuring a stress-free environment for both baby and parents.

Comprehensive Support

Our service doesn’t end at the procedure. We are proud to provide comprehensive aftercare advice and follow-up support on feeding. Our team includes a consultant paediatrician on-site to handle any rare complications swiftly and efficiently

Accreditations and Safety

Zita Maria is not only registered with the CQC, ATP, and NMC but also carries comprehensive insurance for peace of mind. Our team is also NIPE trained, ensuring your baby’s overall health is always a priority.

Holistic Approach

Our comprehensive assessments go beyond just identifying a tongue tie. We consider the full feeding history, medical background, and birthing experience to understand all factors that could impact feeding. This holistic view ensures we address any underlying issues, and when needed, we refer to osteopaths and chiropractors for further treatment.

"I can’t thank Zita Maria Maternity enough for coming so quickly to assess and carry out my son’s tongue tie. They were completely professional, personable and ensured all checks were carried out before carrying out the procedure. He did need the procedure and Michelle went through everything she would be doing and explained it wouldn’t hurt. They asked me throughout if I was happy for them to continue when my son was upset. They made me feel at ease and the procedure was quick and pain free. They offered after care advice and followed on with documents to help too. Michelle also followed up with a call a week later to see how we were doing and offered further support and advice. If you need a tongue tie assessment or procedure I couldn’t recommend the team highly enough."

Helen Elizabeth De Matos

Registered with the CQC, ATP and NMC

At Zita Maria, we are proud to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and affiliated with the Association of Tongue Tie Practitioners (ATP). This dual accreditation underscores our commitment to the highest standards of healthcare. CQC registration ensures that we comply with legal requirements, meeting stringent safety and quality standards. Our ATP membership signifies our dedication to excellence in tongue tie practice, involving continuous professional development and adherence to ethical guidelines. This collective commitment reflects our unwavering focus on providing safe, effective, and patient-centered care, ensuring that your well-being is our top priority.

This YouTube clip explains tongue tie and how it can affect the mobility and overall function of the tongue.

Please note that tongue tie assessment and division are not necessary for all babies, and a medical assessment by one of our trained professionals is essential to determine the appropriate course of action based on your baby's individual needs.

Tongue Tie FAQ'S

1.What is tongue tie? Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the thin tissue (lingual frenulum) that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual. This can restrict the movement of the tongue, potentially causing breastfeeding difficulties or other related issues.

2.How common is tongue tie? Tongue tie affects approximately 3-10% of newborn babies. It is more commonly found in males and may run in families.

3.What are the signs and symptoms of tongue tie in infants? Signs of tongue tie in infants can include difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle, poor weight gain, clicking sounds while feeding, excessive gas or colic, and maternal nipple pain or damage.

4.Can tongue tie affect breastfeeding? Yes, tongue tie can make breastfeeding challenging for both the baby and the mother. It can lead to ineffective milk transfer, reduced milk supply, sore nipples, and prolonged feeding times. Addressing tongue tie through assessment and potential division can improve breastfeeding outcomes.

5.When is it necessary to treat tongue tie? Not all babies with tongue tie require intervention. The decision to treat tongue tie depends on the severity of symptoms and the impact on breastfeeding or overall well-being. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional experienced in tongue tie assessment is recommended.

6.What is a frenulotomy? A frenulotomy is a simple procedure where the lingual frenulum is gently released or divided to improve tongue mobility. This is typically done using sterile scissors. It is a safe and quick procedure that can often be performed without anesthesia.

7.Is frenulotomy painful for the baby? Frenulotomy is generally well-tolerated by infants. Discomfort during the procedure is minimal, and babies usually settle quickly afterward.

8.Where can tongue tie assessment and division be performed? At Zita Maria Limited, we offer tongue tie assessment and division services that can be carried out either at our private clients' homes or at one of our clinics. Our experienced healthcare professionals ensure a safe and comfortable environment for you and your baby.

9.How can I schedule a tongue tie assessment or seek further information? To schedule a tongue tie assessment or to learn more about our services, please contact Zita Maria Limited. Our dedicated team is here to answer your questions, address any concerns, and provide the support you need during your breastfeeding and postnatal journey.