Restrictive lingual frenulum can make feeding difficult or painful and, for many new mothers, timely treatment can mean the difference between stopping breastfeeding altogether and successfully continuing with exclusive breastfeeding.

Every year, the team supports 1,600–1,800 babies and their families – around 35 babies each week. Over 30% of our referrals are out of area, which includes referrals from Cambridge, King’s Lynn, Peterborough, Colchester and beyond. Tongue-tie procedures are carried out by one of our specialist midwives in restrictive lingual frenulum and lactation support or a paediatric surgeon.

The team includes specialist midwives Hannah Perrins and Jennifer Clark and paediatric and neonatal surgeons Shalini Singh and Khizer Mansoor, led by Ashish Minocha, Consultant Paediatric and Neonatal Surgeon. Hannah Male is the co-ordinator for the service.

Ashish said: “We are arguably the largest centre in the UK providing this service. Our model of care and clinical protocols are increasingly being adopted and replicated by other regional and national centres as benchmark standards.”

Alongside providing care, the team is deeply committed to education and skill-sharing.

Jenny said: “We regularly provide hands-on training to both nurses and doctors who are eager to develop their skills or pursuing a formal training programme. We run full-day training courses two or three times a year for those learning to assess and have recently launched an advanced course for those who have completed our RLF training day and are actively putting their learning into practice. These courses are heavily subscribed and attract professionals from across the region and beyond.”

Hannah Male says that the team consistently receives heartfelt feedback from grateful families.

One parent shared: “The nurse who carried out my daughter’s tongue-tie division listened to our concerns, showed genuine care and compassion, and was both knowledgeable and professional.”

Another said: “The doctor’s explanation, discussion and manner were very reassuring. The procedure was fast and not at all distressing.”

Khizer adds: “It’s truly commendable that the team continues to deliver high standards of care while also maintaining an exceptional level of parent satisfaction.”