Gas lighting in the NHS!

Yesterday I received feedback from a mum which is lovely and always welcome.

"I asked midwives and health visitors why I had pain on breastfeeding and whether my baby had a tongue tie, but no body took me seriously. They finally listened and referred him for his division, but was warned that there may be a delay of about 3-4 more weeks. I could not bare to wait any longer as I was 5 weeks post partum and every feed was making me upset and sore. I decided to see Suzanne. She immediately confirmed there was a tongue tie and also mentioned he had a high palate which I had never heard off. She explained the procedure and gave me time to think if I want to go ahead with the procedure. She is so experienced and my baby hardly cried as she was so fast at doing it . He immediately latched on perfectly and I had no pain . It felt like heaven! Highly recommend her services to anyone who is looking for some sane and research backed advise. I wish I had seen her sooner. My 5 weeks of pain would have been spared!"

What frustrates me the most is that families are not being heard.

The NMC Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives, and nursing associates highlight

Practise effectively

You assess need and deliver or advise on treatment, or give help without too much delay and to the best of your abilities, on the basis of the best evidence available and best practice.

I recognise that the NHS is facing financial constraints, but preventing health professionals from discussing tongue ties is not the solution. Evidence-based information enables choice. I feel compelled to start a campaign. Who's with me?