With an Associate Practitioner of The Natal Network
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) happens when the little piece of tissue under the tongue (the frenulum) limits tongue movement more than usual. This can sometimes make feeding trickier—but it’s crucial to remember that feeding is multi-factorial. It’s influenced not just by tongue movement, but also by a baby’s birth journey, muscle tone or tension in the body, and how we (as parents/carers) help with positioning and attachment.
So before we jump to any procedures, I work with you to explore all these other areas. That means support for better positioning and attachment during feeds, and when helpful, gentle extra-body work like osteopathy or craniosacral therapy. I’ll always guide you through referrals or suggestions if we spot something that could help.
A tongue-tie division (frenotomy) is something we discuss only after those other factors have been addressed—because many feeding problems lift significantly when we get the support in place. The decision is based entirely on function, not appearance. We only proceed when a tongue-tie is clearly affecting feeding.
Importantly: there is no evidence that dividing a tongue-tie solely to prevent future speech or language difficulties is helpful. So, if the only concern is future speech and no current feeding problems exist, we do not recommend division.
Our Fees
Tongue-Tie Assessment Visit (at home) – £275
This includes a full lactation consultation and tongue-tie assessment. We’ll talk through findings in detail—what could be helping, what might make a difference, and if division is actually needed.
Tongue-Tie Division – £50
This fee is paid directly to The Natal Network. The assessment and procedure are carried out in your home for comfort and convenience.
FAQ
What does it mean to be an Associate Practitioner with The Natal Network?
Associate means your practitioner is working under The Natal Network’s clinical governance and standards. While with The Natal Network, they operate following The Natal Network’s regulated policies, procedures, and clinical supervision specifically for Tongue Tie Division (Frenulotomy).
Why does this structure exist?
This arrangement allows us to provide local, family-centred care with strong clinical oversight. By engaging skilled Tongue Tie Practitioners with The Natal Network, we combine the benefits of familiar, trusted faces with the assurance of care delivered under The Natal Network’s Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered clinical governance.
Is the care regulated?
Yes absolutely. Practitioners working for The Natal Network are regulated by the CQC, via The Natal Networks registration. This means your baby’s procedure is performed according to a robust clinical governance framework that includes:
- Clear policies and procedures
- Formal complaints and reporting channels
- Ongoing peer support and mentoring
- Regular clinical audits
- Supervision by experienced clinical leads
- Safe recruitment practices
You can trust that all aspects of care meet the highest standards of safety, accountability, and quality, no matter which practitioner you see.
How can I provide feedback or raise a concern?
We take all feedback seriously as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. If you have a compliment, suggestion, or concern about any practitioner providing care, you can:
- Speak directly to the practitioner or their team, if you feel comfortable
- Contact The Natal Network’s governance lead at [email protected] to raise concerns formally
- Escalate to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if your concern relates to safety or standards of care
The Natal Networks full complaints Policy outlines the steps available to you via their website.
Can I learn more about how my care is managed?
Absolutely! You can explore The Natal Network’s governance structure and dedication to safe, high-quality care via their website. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us; we’re always here to help.
Marguerite Williams is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) when working as an Associate within The Natal Network (http://natal.network)