Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my baby might have a tongue-tie?

Signs can include difficulty attaching or staying attached to the breast or bottle, clicking during feeds, milk leaking from the mouth, prolonged feeds or concerns about weight gain. Breastfeeding may also be painful.

These symptoms can have several causes. An assessment looks at how your baby’s tongue moves and functions alongside their feeding history, rather than appearance alone.

You can read my Understanding Tongue-Tie leaflet for more information about tongue-tie, how it can affect feeding and the options available.

Can tongue-tie affect bottle feeding?

Yes, tongue-tie can affect both breastfed and bottle-fed babies. Some babies struggle to maintain a seal around the teat, dribble milk or find feeds difficult. I offer support however you feed your baby, including exploring bottle feeding technique and whether the teat or flow may be contributing.

Does every tongue-tie need treatment?

No. Not every feeding difficulty will be a tongue-tie, and not every tongue-tie will cause feeding difficulties.

Treatment is considered when restricted tongue movement is affecting feeding. Sometimes feeding support and adjustments are enough. I’ll explain my findings and the available options so you can make an informed decision without pressure.

What happens during a home visit?

We’ll talk through your baby’s birth and feeding history, your concerns and what you’d like help with. I’ll assess your baby’s mouth and tongue function and if a tongue-tie division is appropriate and you choose to proceed, this can usually take place during the same visit. Afterwards, I’ll support you with a feed and explain aftercare. Visits usually last around one to two hours, allowing dedicated time for assessment, feeding support and questions.

Is tongue-tie division safe at home?

A home visit is a suitable setting for tongue-tie division when your baby’s assessment and medical history indicate that it is appropriate.

I’m a qualified midwife and tongue-tie practitioner, and Day One Midwife is registered with the Care Quality Commission. I use sterile equipment and aseptic technique, assess suitability before treatment and explain the risks and alternatives as part of the consent discussion.

If your baby needs a different setting or further medical advice, I’ll explain this and help you understand the next steps.

How much does an appointment cost?

The assessment and feeding support visit costs £100, payable when booking. If tongue-tie division is appropriate and you choose to proceed, a further £130 is payable on the day, bringing the total to £230.

Travel within 25 miles of ST15 is included. Beyond this, an additional charge of £1 per mile applies to the extra distance, calculated one way and agreed beforehand.

Which areas do you cover?

I’m based in Stone, Staffordshire, and provide home visits within the surrounding area. Travel within 25 miles of ST15 is included in the appointment fee, and visits further afield are available with an additional travel charge. I cover up to a 50-mile radius in total.

If you’re unsure whether I cover your address, please get in touch.

How do arrival windows work?

You book an arrival window rather than a fixed appointment time. I work through my families geographically and will message you around 60 minutes before I arrive, meaning you don’t need to wait in throughout the window.

How should I prepare for the appointment?

You’re welcome to read my Pre-Appointment Tongue-Tie Division Leaflet before booking. It explains the procedure, its benefits and risks, and what to expect.

Once you’ve booked, I’ll send you a questionnaire about your baby’s medical and feeding history to complete before the visit. Let me know if anything changes with your baby’s health after you’ve completed it.

On the day, have your baby’s red book and usual feeding equipment to hand. I’ll message you around 60 minutes before I arrive and ask you to pause feeds from that point. Being hungry helps your baby participate in a full assessment and means a feed can be offered afterwards for comfort following treatment, or for a feeding observation if treatment is not indicated or chosen.

What happens if my baby doesn’t need treatment?

You’ll still receive a thorough assessment, an explanation of my findings and feeding support tailored to your baby. We can explore other possible reasons for the difficulties and discuss further support or referral where appropriate.

There would be no procedure fee to pay.

What support is available afterwards?

If your baby has a tongue-tie division, I’ll support you with a feed before I leave and provide written aftercare information, including what to expect and when to seek help.

Follow-up support is available by phone, WhatsApp or text for up to four weeks after your appointment. If feeding difficulties continue, we can discuss whether further assessment or additional support would be helpful.

How do I book a home visit?

Use the calendar in the Book Your Visit section to view live availability and choose your preferred arrival window.

If you’d prefer help with booking or have questions first, you’re very welcome to get in touch here or send me a message on WhatsApp.