Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is a tongue-tie?
A tongue‑tie is when the small piece of skin under the tongue (called the frenulum) is shorter or tighter than usual. This can make it harder for the tongue to move properly.
All babies are different. Some babies with a tongue‑tie have problems feeding, while others do not. It depends on how well their tongue can move.
When babies breastfeed, they need to pull the nipple to the back of their mouth and keep it there. If their tongue cannot move well, they might struggle to attach to the breast. Some babies may also find bottle‑feeding difficult.
Signs in breastfed babies
A baby with tongue‑tie may:
- have trouble latching onto the breast or staying attached
- make ‘clicking’ sounds while feeding
- feed very often or take a long time to feed
- not gain weight well
- have colic, wind, or hiccups
- have reflux (bring milk back up after feeds)
- have a small mouth opening and may bite or grind the nipple
Signs in bottle‑fed babies
A baby with tongue-tie may:
- find bottle‑feeding difficult
- take a long time to finish a feed
- drink only small amounts
- dribble a lot of milk
- make clicking sounds while feeding
- have colic, wind, or hiccups
- have reflux (bring milk back up after feeds)
Breastfeeding mothers may:
- have very sore or damaged nipples
- get mastitis (a painful breast infection)
- notice their milk supply going down
- feel very tired because of constant feeding
- feel upset or worried if breastfeeding is not going well
You will get help with breastfeeding in the hospital and at home from your community midwife.
If you and your baby are still having problems after this support, and a tongue‑tie is suspected, you will be referred to our infant‑feeding team.
At a breastfeeding clinic, a specialist will help you with feeding and check whether the tongue‑tie is causing the problem. If needed, you will then be referred to our tongue‑tie clinic, where an ENT surgeon can assess and treat the tongue‑tie.
An ENT surgeon will look at your baby’s tongue‑tie and decide if cutting it will help.
If it’s needed:
- you can hold your baby to comfort them.
- a specialist midwife will support your baby’s head.
- the surgeon will make a small cut in the frenulum using blunt‑ended scissors.
- this should not be very painful, as babies have few nerve endings there.
- there may be a few drops of blood. Many babies are happy to feed straight after the procedure.
- a small white patch, like a tiny ulcer, may appear under the tongue. This is normal and should heal within one or two weeks. Keep feeding your baby at least 8 times in 24 hours.
Our breastfeeding clinics are currently appointment only.
Please contact:
Frimley Park Hospital fhft.
Wexham Park Hospital fhft.
to book into one of these clinics.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Maternity service.
About this information
Service:
Maternity
Reference:
M/031
Approval date:
1 March 2026
Review date:
1 March 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.