Twins
Tongue Tie & Breastfeeding Support for Twins
I offer consultations and assessments for twins. I can provide help with feeding and also assess both baby’s tongues, mouths and palates and discuss the findings with you. I will be open and honest based on my professional judgement and experience as to whether I believe a tongue tie division would be beneficial for one or both babies. We offer a reduced cost for a second Tongue-Tie Division (Frenulotomy) for the second child. We could also implement some additional feeding support.
I am a member of the ATP
Association of Tongue-tie Practitioners
I am a member of the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners
What are the symptoms of tongue-tie?
Symptoms of tongue-tie range from insignificant to significant meaning it either affects feeding or it doesn’t . Your child’s tongue may appear to be heart-shaped or may have a notch in it. It may also appear to be spade like and sit flat in the bottom of the mouth.
Newborn tongue-tie may result in:
- Difficulty latching when breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding for extended periods of time.
- Falling asleep on the breast after only a few sucks/minutes
- Constant hunger.
- Trouble gaining weight.
- A clicking sound during feeding.
- If the baby is feeding from a bottle they may be dribbling and losing lots of the milk from the corners of their mouth.
If breastfeeding, in order to create an adequate seal, the baby must extend their tongue over their jaw line. If the baby has tongue-tie, this isn’t possible. They often attempt to use their gums to keep the nipple in their mouth during breastfeeding. This can be painful.
A woman may also have other symptoms related to the baby’s tongue-tie, including:
- Cracked, sore nipples.
- Pain during feeding.
- Insufficient milk supply due to poor milk transfer.
How is tongue-tie assessed and treated?
Assessment: During the appointment I will take a history and then they will look inside the baby’s mouth and physically assess the mobility and function of the tongue. I will be looking at the extension, lateralisation, and elevation of the tongue specifically. Once assessed I may offer division there and then as part of the same single appointment. These appointments typically take between 1 and two hours.
Treatment: I will perform a small surgical procedure where I cut the lingual frenulum with a pair of scissors specifically designed for this purpose. This is called a frenotomy (also known as frenulotomy, or tongue-tie division). This service can be performed in either a clinic setting or in your own home.
Tongue-tie surgery causes minimal discomfort for infants and is done without the need for anaesthesia. Some parents may choose to give paracetamol prior to the procedure if the baby is old enough for over-the-counter medication.
Breast Feeding (Lactation) support
Finding good support for your breastfeeding journey can be quite difficult depending on where you live and what local resources are available. We know that many new mums feel that there is inadequate help and support available to help them with their early feeding experience. Without good support your breastfeeding journey can be hampered by incorrect positioning and latching, which can then lead to sore, cracked, and damaged nipples, a baby that does not gain weight, and a stressful time for both mum and baby. This can lead to a baby that is unsettled and a mum who feels like she is failing.
Many mothers who go through this experience give up breastfeeding as they worry that they are not enough for their baby.
I will observe, advise and offer recommendations based on the latest evidence based practice, support you with your infant feeding issues and together, we will try to rectify your difficulties.
What do we know about the benefits of breast milk?
Breastmilk is a complete food that is designed by nature and is the basis for healthy development.
As we all know Breastfeeding has many benefits to both mothers and babies.
Some of these benefits include:
- Breastfeeding can be convenient, and it is free!
- It can help you bond with your baby.
- It has been shown that women who breastfeed have lower rates of certain diseases.
- Colostrum which is your baby’s first milk boosts your baby’s immune system.
This is why The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breast feeding for the first 6 months of a baby’s life.
Both colostrum and mature breast milk contain millions of good bacteria, nutrients and antibodies which are passed from mum to baby and these benefits can last a lifetime.
I recognise that breastfeeding is not for everyone, and some mums would choose to formula feed their babies. Whichever way you choose to feed your baby I will be on hand to guide and support you.
How much does it cost?
My service for twins is split into two parts:
- Tongue-Tie Assessment & Division
- Breastfeeding Support
Tongue Tie Assessment & Division costs:
Consultation of both babies is £195 at a Clinic or £245 at your home. This includes a Tongue-Tie Division (Frenulotomy) for One child.
Tongue-Tie Division (Frenulotomy) for the 2nd twin – additional £100
Breastfeeding (Lactation) Consultation costs:
2 hour lactation consultation at home £125
Mileage:
My consultation fees include a 20mile round trip expense from GL20 8. Any additional miles are charged at 45p/mile.
Want To Chat Before Booking?
Want to chat before booking? No problem!
You can call me to discuss any queries before booking. Text Anna on 07974 137022 to request a call back.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
