Petition Introduce mandatory check for tongue tie in routine postnatal examinaton

What is tongue tie?

Tongue tie occurs when the piece of skin under the tongue (frenulum) is too short and tight, restricting the full movement of the tongue. It is a hereditary condition affecting up to 1 in 10 babies. It can prevent the baby latching correctly onto the nipple and can lead to the following:

• Nipple soreness and damage
• Mastitis
• Prolonged and frequent feeding
• Failure to gain weight

If it is not treated quickly, it can ultimately lead to the baby being weaned from the breast.

Solution

Introduce a mandatory check for tongue tie in the routine postnatal examination. If tongue tie is present this will be followed up by a midwife or lactation consultant before the mother and baby leave hospital. If problems with breast feeding are present, an urgent referral will be made for revision (frenulotomy).