TONGUE-TIE RELEASE IN SUSSEX
by Dr Rebecca Maini
I'm afraid I am currently unable to provide tongue-tie appointments due to the Coronavirus pandemic. I will update this website when I am able to work again.
If you are in need of tongue-tie services in the meantime, do check out the Association of Tongue-tie Practitioners where there is an updated list of those currently practising.
Dr Maini is a practising dentist and is qualified to perform tongue-tie division for newborn babies who are struggling to feed.
As a new mother of twins in 2014, she experienced her
own difficulties breastfeeding her son until his
tongue-tie was divided which gave instant relief.
Rebecca went on to breastfeed her twins for 15 months.
Read more about Rebecca's story here.
Dr Maini offers two options for your own baby's tongue-tie division:
CLINIC
OR
IN-HOME
If you prefer a clinical setting, you can attend her clinic in the dental surgery. You do not have to register as a patient at the practice in order to be seen for tongue-tie release.
Alternatively, Rebecca can travel to you so you can remain in the comfort of your own home while she assesses and treats your baby. Travel is included within 30 minutes of Uckfield.
Dr Maini qualified as a dental surgeon in 2005 in Dundee, near where she grew up in Scotland. She has 14 years of experience as an NHS dentist with 2 years of experience working in
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery carrying out Oral Surgery procedures.
During her time in hospital, she achieved her MFDS post-graduate diploma in 2007.
Following the birth of her twins in 2014, Rebecca took a year off but returned to NHS practice in Sussex where her husband is now a Maxillo-facial consultant. She currently works part-time as a dentist in a primarily private practice in Crowborough and part-time as a storytelling brand photographer in Kent and Sussex.
In 2019, after 2 years on the waiting list, Rebecca undertook training with
midwife Jayne Threlfall at Southampton Hospital to provide tongue-tie division services
and has linked up with a local breast feeding consultant in order to offer all the support and advice you may need as well as tongue-tie assessments and treatment.
Dr Rebecca Maini is registered with the GDC and has indemnity insurance with the MDDUS.
What is Tongue-tie?
Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, is a congenital oral anomaly that may decrease mobility of the tongue tip. It is caused by an unusually short, thick lingual frenulum - the membrane connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Ankyloglossia varies in degree of severity from mild cases which do not interfere with feeding to more severe instances where the tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth causing restriction of movement.
Tongue-tie affects around 4-11% of newborn babies. It's more common in boys than girls, and sometimes runs in families.
What problems can it cause?
Problems for the mother can include:
-
mastitis (inflammation of the breast), which may keep reoccurring
The infant can be affected by this too, they may:
-
have difficulty attaching to the breast or staying attached for a full feed
-
feed for a long time, have a short break, then feed again
-
be unsettled and seem to be hungry all the time
-
not gain weight as quickly as they should
-
make a "clicking" sound as they feed – this can also be a sign you need support with the positioning and attachment of your baby at the breast
How is it fixed?
Treatment is not necessary if your baby has tongue-tie but can feed without any problems. If their feeding is affected, treatment involves a simple procedure called tongue-tie division.
Tongue-tie division involves cutting the short, tight piece of skin connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the lingual frenulum).
It's a quick, simple and almost painless procedure that usually resolves feeding problems straight away.
Dr Maini is able to treat babies up to the age of 6 months.
Are there any risks?
You must understand the procedure and possible complications before consenting to treatment. Problems are likely to be very rare but are possible, including: bleeding, infection, ulcers, pain, and damage to the tongue and surrounding area. It is also possible that the tongue-tie might return. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Tiny babies often sleep through the procedure, my own son did, as their nerve endings are not yet fully developed.
You can read the full NICE guidance (evidence based information for healthcare) here.
How much does it cost?
Tongue-tie Assessment only - £145
Tongue-tie Assessment & division - £345
Payment can be made via bank transfer, Paypal or credit card.
You MUST have had a feeding assessment & support prior to booking. I am happy to refer you to a local consultant I trust if you haven't yet seen anyone.
All photos taken by Bex Maini, www.bexphoto.com
Contact Details
Email: beckymaini@gmail.com
Facebook: Tongue Tie Sussex
Instagram: @TongueTieSussex
LinkedIn: Rebecca Maini
Bex Maini, twin mum and adventurer
I'm mum to 4-year-old twins, Kalyan & Priya who are my muses. You will see them feature a lot in my personal photos and projects.
I grew up in rural Scotland and now live in the Sussex countryside. I'm obsessed with bright, happy colours and finding beautiful light, love to travel and eat and have way too many hobbies!
Find out more about me and my photography style on the
Tongue-tie Release - Sussex can also be found on Facebook and Instagram @TongueTieSussex
and Bexphoto is on Instagram.