What happens on the day
Ninety minutes, face to face in Ossett, with Donna. Nothing is done without your consent and nothing is rushed.
How it works
Four steps, ninety minutes
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01
Feeding history
We start with a full feeding history and watch a feed. Half of the answer is usually here, before anyone looks in your baby's mouth.
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02
Oral assessment
A full oral assessment using the Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function, then a plain-English discussion of what I found.
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03
Division, if it is needed
If a frenulotomy will help, I explain the risks and benefits and take written consent. Baby is swaddled, sterile scissors are used, and it is over in seconds. No anaesthetic is needed at this age.
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04
Feed and aftercare
You feed straight away — it settles baby and reduces bleeding. A full oral check before you leave, written aftercare, and a follow-up call within the week.
Who can come with you
Parents and guardians are welcome to stay throughout. You are also welcome to bring one support person — a partner, your mum, a friend. Bring whoever makes the appointment easier.
What to bring
Whatever you normally feed with — bottles, nipple shields, a pump if you use one — plus spare nappies and a change of clothes. If your baby has a red book, bring that too.
The procedure itself
A frenulotomy is a simple, quick procedure carried out without anaesthetic, which is normal practice in early infancy. Your baby is swaddled gently and sterile scissors are used to divide the tie. Any crying is usually brief.
A small amount of bleeding is normal. You feed straight away, which comforts your baby and helps the bleeding settle. Babies can often be seen moving their tongue around and pushing it out afterwards, with an improved latch.
A full oral check is carried out before you leave the clinic.
Afterwards
Aftercare and follow-up
You will get a follow-up call within one week to check on wound healing and how feeding is going. If you need more hands-on help, additional feeding sessions are £50 and can be face to face or over video call. Donna can also point you towards local feeding support groups.
Feeding improvements vary from baby to baby. Some latch better within minutes; others need days or a couple of weeks to learn a new tongue movement. Feeding is dynamic and constantly changing, which is why positioning and attachment guidance sits alongside the procedure rather than instead of it.
Getting hereSpa Street Offices, Spa Street, Ossett, WF5 0HJ. About five minutes from Junction 40 of the M1, with free parking on site.
The room
Somewhere you can actually feed.
The clinic is set up for feeding, not for a queue. There is a comfortable chair, space for a pram, and nobody waiting for the room.
Free parking is directly outside, and you are five minutes from Junction 40 of the M1.
Questions
Anything else you are wondering
Does the procedure hurt my baby?
A frenulotomy is quick and is done without anaesthetic in early infancy, which is standard practice. Most babies cry briefly — many are more upset about being held still than about the division itself — and settle as soon as they are fed. There may be a small amount of bleeding, which is normal and stops quickly.
How old can my baby be?
Up to six months old for a standard appointment. Older babies can sometimes be seen — get in touch and ask rather than assuming not.
Do you see bottle-fed babies?
Yes. Tongue tie affects bottle feeding as well as breastfeeding — clicking, dribbling, long feeds, wind and reflux are all common. Breast, bottle and combination-fed babies are all welcome.
Will feeding improve straight away?
Sometimes, and sometimes not. Some babies latch better within minutes; others take days or a couple of weeks while they learn a new tongue movement. Feeding is dynamic and constantly changing, which is why positioning and attachment support is part of the appointment and why there is a follow-up call.
What if my baby does not need a division?
Then it is not done. You are refunded £120 of the fee, and you still get the full assessment, the feeding support and the aftercare. An honest "no" is a legitimate outcome of an assessment.
Can it reattach?
Reattachment happens in approximately 4% of cases nationally. If it happens, the re-division appointment is £75 and includes a full oral reassessment.
Where are you and is there parking?
Spa Street Offices, Spa Street, Ossett, WF5 0HJ — about five minutes from Junction 40 of the M1, with free parking on site.
Can someone come with me?
Yes. Parents and guardians are welcome throughout, and you can bring one support person as well.
Ready when you are.
Book online, or ring if you would rather talk it through first.