My journey in care began before my nurse training in 2002, with early work supporting vulnerable adults and children. Once qualified I worked with adults for some time, and up until December 2017 I was also employed as a Neonatal Nurse caring for sick and terminally-ill term and pre-term babies, before deciding to develop my career in Tongue-Tie further whilst juggling my own two children.  I have qualified as a 'Lactation Consultant' (IBCLC), and Infant Feeding Specialist (LEAARC).

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I have also developed my skills and became a qualified baby massage, baby yoga, and toddler yoga instructor, which I am finding is a new and exciting venture, but also helps parents to help their infants through relieving many of the symptoms that a tongue-tie restriction may cause, such as colic, wind, crying, digestive issues, relaxation, and teething issues, whilst increasing and empowering the parental-infant relationship through trust and bonding.

 

More recently, I have embarked upon oral myofunctional training, which I believe may help many of the babies I see with the muscular strengthening and development of the oral structures, muscles and function.

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In 2012 I had my first daughter, who had a congenital posterior tongue tie restriction. At the time, I did not know what a tongue tie was or how it could be treated. I believed the breastfeeding issues were because I could not breastfeed properly/low-supply, and was faced with comments of "formula never did 'such-and-such' any harm", "don't struggle, some people just can't do it" or "give yourself a rest and give her a bottle". Although these were harmless & well-meaning comments, it just made me more determined to prove everybody wrong!

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 For me I wanted to know why she couldn't breastfeed and not alternative feeding options!  

My daughter did have formula via bottles at stages in our feeding journey, and was bottle fed formula in the initial weeks as there was no other way she could take nutrition safely. I am not adverse to bottle-feeding, I just believe that parents should be able to make an informed choice of how their child is fed, and that early problems in the chosen method should be identified swiftly and addressed.  If a parent chooses to bottle fed their infant, and struggles as a result of the tongue tie; their alternative feeding methods are limited, and the parents deserve a right to make an informed choice on behalf of their child.

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A tongue function restriction affects all methods of infant feeding, breast, bottles and

transitioning onto solid foods is inclusive in this.

I sought advice from the local infant feeding team, and at 5 weeks old my daughter saw a tongue tie practitioner, which was snipped by 8 weeks.  I chose to attend weekly breastfeeding support groups for over a year, and what I learnt through them was invaluable, as well as meeting new friends where we could share common interests with.  I will never forget our experience and it was this that drove me to pursue tongue tie restriction training.

All too often I see infants who have been prescribed medications to control/relieve their symptoms-yet without addressing the root cause of the symptoms how can that medication be expected to improve their health? Common examples of this are oral/nipple thrush and reflux.

In 2016, I had my second daughter, who also had a posterior frenular restriction.  This time I knew what to be mindful of, and she had her restriction divided a lot sooner.  However, our feeding journey took a lot longer so we sought the assistance of an approved infant cranial-chiropractor, and by 10 weeks she could latch and feed well (previously could not latch at all).

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So I truly do know what you are going through, I can sympathise, empathise and recognise your emotions and frustrations.​

I am now pleased to offer clinics from my own home setting (see The Clinic page). This provides greater flexibility with appointment availability and offers a warm, comforting environment — something many previous families have truly appreciated (see Feedback page).

 

To further support families after a tongue-tie release, I’ve created a Support Portal exclusively for parents and caregivers. Inside, you’ll find a week-by-week progress guide, a healing timeline, tongue function exercises, links to body-therapy benefits and a wide range of evidence-based resources to support your feeding journey.

 

In addition to this, I’ve developed a selection of online courses and modules for parents and caregivers. These are free for current patients and available 24/7 with unlimited access. Each module includes narrated guidance, video demonstrations, and practical, evidence-informed information (accessible through your Support Portal).

 

You may also be interested in my face-to-face infant feeding support group, open to all feeding journeys; whether tongue-tie related or not. Sessions run during Leicestershire term time at Barlestone Community Centre. A voluntary donation is suggested to help cover the cost of venue hire and refreshments. For more details, please visit the 'Support Group' page.

*New from 2025*

I’m excited to share that the Tongue-Tie Theory course is now live! Designed for all healthcare professionals, this course offers a comprehensive upgrade in understanding oral restrictions — whether you’re new to the topic or looking for a refresher.

It’s also ideal as update training for current tongue-tie providers who want to stay aligned with best practices and has been professionally accredited with 15 CPD points with 'Advantage', and CERPs has been applied for.

For more details or to enrol, click on the ‘Train with Me’ tab above.

  I have also started to write a blog linked to relevant recurring topics that you may also find useful (BLOG).​

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All of my credentials, are available upon request and many are displayed on the clinic walls for viewing. Both CQC and NMC registrations can be confirmed on their publically accessible website provider registers.

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I am also proud to have be an active committee member of the UK Association of Tongue-Tie Practitioners (ATP), and I am currently the Website Co-Ordinator for them. In June 2023 I was awarded 'Honorary status' for my dedication and contribution to the organisation (www.tongue-tie.org.uk).

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