Newborn Tongue-Tie Assessment and Division in Chipstead, Surrey
At Doghurst Clinic in Chipstead, Surrey, we offer newborn tongue-tie assessment, feeding review and, where clinically appropriate, tongue-tie division for babies up to 26 weeks old.
Appointments are delivered by Dr Hannah Murphy with Helen Pierce, IBCLC lactation consultant and former paramedic, combining medical assessment with practical feeding support.
No referral is required.
Newborn Services
Medical and feeding support for you & your baby
Feeding concerns can be stressful, particularly when it is unclear whether tongue function, latch or another issue may be contributing.
You may be concerned about painful breastfeeding, nipple damage, clicking during feeds, milk leaking from your baby’s mouth, difficulty maintaining attachment, excessive wind, unsettled feeding or feeds that take a long time. These concerns can affect breastfed, bottle-fed and combination-fed babies.
Not every visible tongue-tie needs treatment. Our approach focuses on tongue movement, feeding function, your baby’s health history and your feeding goals. This helps parents make an informed decision about whether tongue-tie division is appropriate or whether another form of feeding support or medical assessment would be more helpful.
GP-led clinical review
Appointments combine medical assessment by Dr Hannah Murphy with specialist feeding assessment and support from Helen Pierce.
Direct Booking
Families can book directly without a referral. Available appointments can be viewed through the booking link.
Feeding-focused assessment
Assessment considers both tongue movement and feeding function, including breastfeeding, bottle-feeding and combination feeding.
Clear, practical advice
We explain the findings, discuss the available options and provide feeding and aftercare guidance appropriate to your baby.
Individualised care
Every baby and feeding situation is different. Recommendations are based on clinical findings and your family’s circumstances.
Medical and lactation expertise
The service combines GP assessment with IBCLC lactation expertise and continuing feeding support.
When to consider a tongue-tie assessment
You may wish to arrange an assessment if feeding is painful, difficult or taking a long time, or if you have been told that your baby may have a tongue-tie.
Possible concerns include:
- a shallow or difficult latch;
- nipple pain or damage;
- clicking during breast or bottle feeds;
- milk leaking from the mouth;
- difficulty maintaining attachment;
- poor or inconsistent suction;
- excessive wind;
- unsettled or tiring feeds;
- concerns about milk transfer or weight gain.
These symptoms can have several causes. A tongue-tie assessment considers tongue movement and feeding function rather than appearance alone.
What happens during the appointment?
Your appointment includes a review of pregnancy, birth and medical history, your baby’s feeding pattern, any weight or growth concerns and the difficulties you are currently experiencing.
Where appropriate, feeding is observed so that attachment, comfort, suction, milk transfer and tongue movement can be considered.
If a tongue-tie is present, Dr Hannah and Helen will discuss whether it appears to be contributing to the feeding difficulties and whether division may be appropriate. Parents are given time to ask questions and discuss the available options before deciding on next steps.
Tongue Tie Services
Tongue Tie Assessment Only
Tongue Tie Assessment
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: £200
This appointment is for families who want a detailed feeding and tongue-function assessment without a procedure being performed on the day.
It may be suitable if you:
- would like a second opinion;
- need support with feeding difficulties;
- are uncertain whether tongue-tie is contributing to the problem;
- have been asked to obtain an assessment before an NHS referral.
The appointment includes a review of pregnancy, birth and medical history, discussion of feeding concerns and, where appropriate, observation of a feed.
No tongue-tie division is performed during an assessment-only appointment. Dr Hannah and Helen will explain their findings and advise on feeding support, referral or other appropriate next steps.
Tongue Tie Assessment & Division
Tongue Tie Assessment & Division
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: £300
This appointment includes a full feeding and tongue-function assessment and, only where clinically appropriate and with parental consent, tongue-tie division during the same visit.
If division is not recommended, Dr Hannah and Helen will explain the reasons and advise on alternative feeding support, medical review or referral options.
Before attending, please check your baby’s red book to confirm whether vitamin K was given at birth. Tongue-tie division is offered to babies up to 26 weeks old and should ideally not take place within 48 hours of immunisations.
Where division is performed, the appointment includes:
- an explanation of the procedure and opportunity to ask questions;
- support with feeding immediately afterwards;
- written feeding and aftercare guidance;
- one week of access to Helen Pierce for feeding support;
- an in-person feeding follow-up where needed.
Newborn Checks
Newborn Checks
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: £200
A newborn consultation provides time to discuss your baby’s health, feeding and early development with a GP and infant-feeding specialist.
The appointment can include concerns about:
- breastfeeding or bottle-feeding;
- weight or growth;
- reflux or vomiting;
- rashes;
- sleep and unsettled behaviour;
- general newborn health;
- parental concerns about early development.
Combined mother-and-baby postnatal checks may also be available where appropriate. We can advise on treatment, monitoring or referral where further assessment is needed.
When tongue-tie division may not be appropriate
Tongue-tie division is not recommended solely because a frenulum is visible.
It may not be appropriate if feeding symptoms do not appear to be related to tongue function, if another medical or feeding issue is more likely, or if your baby requires assessment in a hospital or another specialist setting.
In these circumstances, we will explain the reasoning and advise on the most appropriate next step.
Aftercare and follow-up
After the appointment, parents receive written aftercare advice and feeding guidance.
It is common for feeding to take time to settle. Some babies need continuing support to develop more effective tongue movement and feeding patterns after division.
The service includes one week of access to Helen Pierce for feeding support, with an in-person feeding follow-up where needed. Parents will be advised:
- what can normally be expected after the procedure;
- when to contact Doghurst Clinic;
- which symptoms require medical review;
- when urgent NHS care should be sought.
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Meet Our Partner
Infant Feeding Specialist: Helen Pierce, IBCLC Lactation Consultant & Paramedic
Helen is a qualified IBCLC lactation consultant and former paramedic. She brings specialist feeding and postnatal expertise to Doghurst Clinic with warmth, reassurance, and deep clinical skill. Helen runs many courses and services for new parents through her Maternal Instincts Clinic.
- Expert in breastfeeding and bottle-feeding support for newborns and infants.
- Calm, compassionate care rooted in both clinical and real-world experience.
- Ongoing support beyond your appointment, including in-person follow-up if needed.
Visiting Doghurst Clinic
Appointments take place at:
Doghurst Clinic
28 Chipstead Station Parade
Chipstead
Surrey
CR5 3TF
The clinic is close to Chipstead train station and is convenient for families travelling from Chipstead, Coulsdon, Banstead and the surrounding Surrey area. Local parking is available, either directly in front of the clinic, or in the station car park. The clinic has room to bring and store a pram.
FAQ
What is tongue tie?
Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is when a short or tight band of tissue under the tongue restricts movement. It can affect latching, feeding, and later, speech.
Can tongue tie grow back after treatment?
Reattachment can occur in a small number of cases. We provide guidance and stretching techniques to reduce this risk. If symptoms recur, a follow-up assessment is available.
How soon can I feed my baby after the procedure?
You’ll be encouraged to feed immediately after the division. This helps soothe your baby and supports early tongue movement to aid healing.
Do you offer support after the procedure?
Yes. You will receive written advice, feeding resources, and a week of access to Helen Pierce for feeding support, including an in-person appointment if needed.
What if my baby doesn’t improve after the procedure?
Most babies improve quickly, but every case is different. If needed, we offer reassessment, referrals and additional feeding support.
Can a tongue tie affect bottle-fed babies?
Yes. Tongue tie can impact bottle feeding by reducing suction, increasing wind, or causing milk leakage. We assess all feeding types.
Do you treat older babies or children?
We treat babies up to 26 weeks of age. For older children, we can guide you on next steps and possible referral pathways.
How is tongue tie diagnosed?
We use functional assessment and clinical history to evaluate symptoms such as shallow latch, maternal pain, or inability to move the tongue freely.
What are the risks?
Risks are rare — less than 1 in 10,000. Minor bleeding or brief discomfort may occur. Proper aftercare reduces reattachment risk.
Is the procedure painful?
For babies under six months, the procedure is quick and well tolerated. Anaesthetic is not usually required. Babies are swaddled for safety and fed immediately after.
What happens after the release?
You’ll receive full feeding support and wound care guidance. We show you stretches and tongue movement exercises to aid recovery.
Can I book without a referral?
Yes. You do not need a referral to see us. You can book directly via our contact form or by emailing the clinic.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Please bring:
- your baby’s red book;
- details of whether vitamin K was given at birth;
- any relevant feeding, growth or weight information;
- bottles, teats or other feeding equipment normally used;
- anything you normally need for feeding and changing your baby.
Can I attend if my baby is bottle-fed?
Yes. Tongue function can affect bottle-feeding as well as breastfeeding.
Assessment can include suction, clicking, milk leakage, wind, feeding duration, comfort and your baby’s ability to maintain attachment to the bottle.
Is tongue-tie division painful?
The procedure is brief, but babies may experience discomfort and may cry during or after it.
General anaesthetic is not normally used for young babies. Your baby is safely supported and encouraged to feed immediately afterwards.
Parents receive advice about comfort, feeding and symptoms that require further medical attention.
Book Your Appointment
To book, use the appointment button below to view available newborn check and tongue-tie appointments with Dr Hannah Murphy at Doghurst Clinic.
A referral is not required.
Medical-information notice
This page provides general information and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
If your baby is unwell, is feeding poorly, has signs of dehydration, persistent bleeding, fever, difficulty breathing, unusual drowsiness or you are seriously concerned, seek urgent NHS medical advice.
Last reviewed: July 2026