Support for breastfed babies with tongue ties in Peterborough

Currently NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough funds tongue-tie assessments and treatments for babies up to 16 weeks old, provided it is causing feeding issues. It is not possible to discover the current waiting times for treatment and often the strict criteria is not met for referral.

The criteria is not based purely on NICE guidance but often is restrictive to reduce costs of referrals. I have recently heard that if a baby is gaining weight, or over 16 weeks or not breastfeeding, or having to receive breastmilk in a bottle and then referral is often not provided.

If referral is made then the wait for an appointment may put presssure to maintain supply. This is where you may wish to consider a private appointment. I aim to see families as soon as I have availability and will ofter accommodate a home visit or out of hours appointment if necessary.

This can put some families in a difficult position where the feeding is relentless, uncomfortable or painful. This risks an untimely end to the breast feeding relationship as parents will need to resort to top ups, using nipple shields or supplementary feeds which all impact on caring for both mother and baby.

I initially began private practice which I went through the process of setting up an NHS service and gradually did more and more in the private sector due to these restrictions and now exclusively work independently.

Interested? Call me or book an appointment.