A new tongue-tie clinic has been opened in Dublin, which aims to help infants under six months of age who are experiencing problems with breastfeeding.

The clinic, which is based at the Beacon Hospital, offers an assessment and, if required, division of the tongue tie, in the same outpatient visit.

A tongue tie occurs when the frenulum, which is the small fold of membrane that attaches the tongue to the base of the mouth, is too short, thick or tight. This can result in problems with breastfeeding for both the infant and mother.

With the infant, symptoms can include difficulties latching onto the breast, difficulties staying latched on, poor weight gain and significant dribbling during feeds.

For mothers, this can lead to severe pain when baby is latching on, sore or damaged nipples and low milk supply.

According to the Beacon Hospital, while the rate of breastfeeding remains relatively low in Ireland when compared to international standards, it has increased by 9% over the last decade, and this has led to more tongue ties being detected.

"In some cases, a tongue-tie can affect how a baby feeds and can cause physical problems for both mother and baby, so it is important that it is addressed by a specialist. We're delighted to open our efficient new service, which offers an assessment of infants with a tongue tie and feeding difficulties, and division of the tongue-tie, if required, during the same clinic visit," commented consultant paediatric surgeon, Mr Brice Antao, who is leading the new service.

The clinic is also supported by a lactation consultant, and it offers immediate post-procedure care and lactation support.

For further information on this new service, click here