Tongue Tie Services & Newborn Checks
Expert Care for Baby Feeding, Tongue Function and Early Development.
Newborn Services
Specialist Support for You and Your Baby
The journey of motherhood is close to my heart. As a GP — and a mother who faced breastfeeding and tongue tie challenges first-hand — I understand how important it is to receive empathetic, expert care during this delicate time.
At Doghurst Clinic, we offer specialist newborn and tongue tie services in partnership with Helen Pierce — IBCLC lactation consultant, paramedic and breastfeeding counsellor. Together, we provide clinical and compassionate care for new families in need of timely answers and support.
Our aim is to bridge the gap in NHS provision by offering prompt assessments and interventions, ensuring that both you and your baby are seen, heard, and supported.
GP-Led Expertise
Appointments delivered by an experienced doctor and lactation consultant — no guesswork, no delay.
Prompt Appointments
Avoid NHS waiting lists — we offer fast access to assessment and tongue tie release.
Feeding-Focused Care
We combine medical insight with expert feeding support for better long-term outcomes.
Evidence-Based Advice
We explain every step, offer written guidance, and support you long after the appointment.
Empathetic, Expert Care
As a mum and GP, Dr Hannah brings empathy and experience to every family she helps.
Trusted Partnership
We work with Helen Pierce, IBCLC & paramedic, to provide joined-up newborn care.
Tongue Tie Services
Tongue Tie Assessment Only
Tongue Tie Assessment
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: £200
A joint appointment with Dr Hannah Murphy and Helen Pierce to assess your baby’s tongue function, feeding patterns, and health history. No procedure is performed in this session. Suitable for families seeking a second opinion or a required NHS referral.
Includes full medical, pregnancy and birth history, feeding observation, and expert guidance on next steps.
Tongue Tie Assessment & Division
Tongue Tie Assessment & Division
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: £300
A comprehensive appointment that includes the tongue tie release procedure (frenulotomy) if appropriate. We take a full medical and birth history, assess feeding, and explain every step.
We prefer your baby to have received vitamin K at birth (check the red book). Treatment is offered up to 26 weeks of age and should ideally not occur within 48 hours of immunisations.
Includes:
Post-procedure breastfeeding support
Comprehensive feeding guidance and aftercare
One week of access to Helen Pierce (including in-person follow-up if needed).
Newborn Checks
Newborn Checks
Our 60-minute newborn consultation covers baby health, feeding, development, rashes, reflux, and any parental concerns. We also offer combined mother-and-baby postnatal checks where appropriate.
You’ll receive experienced, holistic care from a GP and lactation expert team — with referrals and treatment planning if needed.
Price: £200
7+
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.
FAQ's
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.
Book Your Appointment
Early help makes a difference. Contact us today to book your newborn check or tongue tie appointment with Dr Hannah Murphy and Helen Pierce.