Treatment of tongue-tie in breastfeeding babies
The Ministry of Health has published National Guidance for the Assessment, Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Tongue-tie in Breastfeeding Babies.
The guidance applies to problematic, simple, or anterior tongue-tie in breastfeeding babies and is intended for:
- Registered midwives
- Lactation consultants
- Registered nurses, including Well Child/Tamariki Ora providers
- Registered medical practitioners
- Registered dentists and dental specialists.
The surgical treatment of tongue-tie should only be performed by a registered health professional educated in conducting the procedure, with processes for clinical audit and follow-up arrangements in place.
An easy-to-read leaflet has also been produced to help inform families and whānau about tongue-tie. This is available on the Ministry website – please share this with patients’ parents or carers to further support your informed consent process.