DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT
The appointment may last up to an hour and both parents or a parent and other supporting person are welcome to attend.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
On the day of your appointment you will need to make sure that your baby does not feed for the hour leading up to the appointment. This is so that they will be willing to feed after the procedure. A parent or adult with parental responsibility will need to sign a consent form and will be asked to hold the baby's head during the assessment and/or procedure.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Bring along your usual changing bag supplies for baby including everything you need to feed or make up a feed for your baby. You may bring a sterile dummy/soother if your baby uses these. You will also need to bring a clean blanket to swaddle your baby in and your Red Book. You do not need to attend the appointment alone, so feel free to bring along parent/carer/friend for support.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
I will complete a feeding assessment and review your telephone consultation paperwork. Your baby will be assessed and we will agree a treatment plan. If it is decided that your baby would benefit from a frenulotomy, then this will take place once you have signed a consent form. Your baby will be monitored before you are discharged home.
WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?
A frenulotomy procedure involves using a pair of sterile, blunt-ended scissors to cut the connective tissue under the tongue (frenulum) that is restrictive and causing feeding difficulties. This will leave a diamond shaped wound under the tongue that will slowly heal over the coming days. During the procedure, your baby will be swaddled and their head held into position. The procedure is normally very quick and your baby will need to feed immediately after to help stem any bleeding. No anaesthetic is required for this procedure but if your baby is old enough, they can take some pain relief if needed.