Programme Overview: Fundamentals in Infant Tongue-tie Anatomy, Function and Treatment Considerations

Fundamentals in Infant Tongue-tie Anatomy, Function and Treatment Considerations is an evidence-informed online professional education programme designed for healthcare professionals supporting infants and families.

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Infant tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) remains an evolving area of practice. While knowledge continues to develop through emerging research, there is increasing recognition that infant feeding challenges are often multifactorial and require careful consideration of anatomy, function, clinical presentation and the individual needs of each family.

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This course has been developed to expand your theoretical understanding of infant oral anatomy, tongue function and feeding, whilst exploring current evidence, clinical considerations and the wider factors that may influence infant feeding outcomes.

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Throughout the programme you will explore infant oral anatomy and physiology, functional considerations associated with oral restrictions, awareness of tongue-tie assessment approaches, conservative management strategies, body therapies and oral play, frenulotomy considerations, aftercare and the importance of collaborative, family-centred care.

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The programme encourages reflective practice and critical thinking, enabling participants to build upon their existing knowledge whilst considering current evidence and differing professional perspectives surrounding infant tongue-tie.

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Learning is supported through self-directed study, reflective activities and participation within the dedicated online Community Hub, where learners are encouraged to share experiences, discuss clinical practice and support one another throughout the programme.

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Who is this online course suitable for?

This programme has been designed for healthcare professionals and infant feeding practitioners who already possess a foundation knowledge of infant feeding and wish to further develop their understanding of infant tongue-tie and oral function.

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The course is suitable for:

• International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs)

• Midwives

• Nurses

• Health Visitors

• Infant Feeding Specialists

• Breastfeeding Counsellors

• Breastfeeding Peer Supporters

• Infant Feeding Team members

• Doulas and Birth Workers

• Body Therapists

• Nursery Nurses

• Existing tongue-tie practitioners wishing to refresh or update their theoretical knowledge

• Other allied healthcare professionals supporting infants and families

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There are no formal entry requirements. However, a basic understanding of infant feeding is recommended to gain the greatest benefit from the programme.

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What will I learn?

This programme consists of six modules designed to develop your understanding of infant tongue-tie, oral anatomy, tongue function and the wider considerations involved in supporting infants and families.

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The course explores the relationship between anatomy and function, the importance of holistic assessment approaches, and the role of evidence-informed support strategies when working alongside families.

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Module 1: Anatomy and Physiology

Explore infant oral anatomy, embryological development and the structures involved in tongue movement and function. This module provides the foundations for understanding the relationship between oral structures and feeding.

Module 2: Potential Impact of Oral Ties and Functional Considerations Over Time

Explore the current understanding of oral ties, functional considerations and the potential ways in which oral restrictions may influence feeding and oral function over time. This module acknowledges that infant feeding is complex and multifactorial, and that individual assessment and clinical judgement are essential.

Module 3: Tongue Function Assessment Tools and Differential Diagnosis

Develop awareness of different approaches used when considering tongue function, including the importance of combining anatomical observations with functional information. This module explores the role and limitations of assessment approaches within clinical decision-making.

Please note: This course does not teach participants how to perform tongue-tie assessments using specific assessment tools.

Module 4: Body Therapies, Tongue Exercises and Sensorimotor Oral Activities

Explore supportive approaches that may be considered alongside infant feeding support, including body therapies, oral play and exercises used within conservative management approaches.

Module 5: Surgical Release Procedures: Methods, Risks and Clinical Considerations

Explore considerations surrounding frenulotomy, including potential benefits, limitations, risks, informed decision-making and the importance of appropriate support before and after intervention.

Please note: This course does not teach frenulotomy technique or train participants to perform surgical release procedures.

Module 6: Conservative Management and Ongoing Care

Explore approaches to supporting infants and families where conservative management is appropriate, including feeding support, ongoing care, aftercare considerations and collaborative working with other professionals.

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By the end of the programme, learners will have developed a broader understanding of infant tongue-tie, oral function and the considerations involved in supporting families through informed, evidence-based and family-centred care.

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Does this course teach tongue-tie assessment or frenulotomy?

No. This course does not teach participants how to perform tongue-tie assessments using specific assessment tools, nor does it teach frenulotomy (surgical release) technique.

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This programme is designed to provide an evidence-informed theoretical foundation to enhance understanding of infant oral anatomy, tongue function, feeding considerations and the wider factors involved when supporting infants and families.

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Participants may develop a greater awareness of the signs and symptoms that may be associated with functional difficulties and gain a deeper understanding of the conversations, considerations and support pathways involved. However, clinical diagnosis and treatment decisions remain within the scope of appropriately trained and regulated professionals.

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Can this course be used as training to become a tongue-tie release provider?

This course is not a practical training programme for becoming a tongue-tie release provider.

Requirements for undertaking practical frenulotomy training vary depending on the training provider, professional background, regulatory requirements and local legislation. Individuals wishing to pursue this pathway should discuss eligibility and requirements directly with their chosen practical training provider.

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Before considering practical training, professionals should ensure they have appropriate foundational knowledge and experience in infant feeding, anatomy, clinical assessment and supporting families with complex feeding presentations.

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Tongue-tie release provision requires appropriate professional registration, governance arrangements, clinical competence, relevant insurance and adherence to applicable regulatory requirements.

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Accreditation and professional development

Fundamentals in Infant Tongue-tie Anatomy, Function and Treatment Considerations has been developed as professional education for healthcare professionals and infant feeding practitioners.

The programme has been accredited with Advantage and has been awarded 15 CPD points.

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For International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE) has awarded 8 L-CERPs.

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D-Restricted Ltd has been accepted by International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) as a Preferred Provider for the listed Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) programme. Determination of CERPs eligibility or CERPs Provider status does not imply IBLCE®’s endorsement or assessment of education quality. INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF LACTATION CONSULTANT EXAMINERS®, IBLCE®, INTERNATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED LACTATION CONSULTANT®, and IBCLC® are registered marks of the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

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Participants should ensure that any professional development activity meets the requirements of their own regulatory body, professional organisation or employer.

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How long will the course take to complete?

The programme has been designed to allow flexible, self-directed learning, with no fixed completion deadline.

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Participants can work through the modules at a pace that suits their own professional and personal commitments. The course includes approximately 10 hours of structured learning, alongside additional time for reflective study, further reading and completion of the final assessment activity.

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Each module includes recorded presentations, supporting resources and a short quiz to support learning and reflection. The ability to pause, revisit and review content allows participants to consolidate their understanding throughout the programme.

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What assessments are included?

Each of the six modules includes a short quiz designed to support learning and check understanding of the content covered.

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The quizzes encourage reflection and application of knowledge rather than testing clinical competency. Learners are encouraged to revisit course material and undertake further reading to develop their understanding.

 

In addition to the module quizzes, participants complete a reflective case study.

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The reflective case study allows learners to consider a family journey and demonstrate how they would apply their learning from the programme, including consideration of infant feeding support, functional considerations, conservative management approaches and collaborative working with other professionals.

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Successful completion of the six modules, quizzes and reflective case study is required for course completion and certificate issue.

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Can I attend clinic as part of my reflective learning?

Participants may have the option to attend D-Restricted Ltd®’s clinic as part of their reflective case study learning, where appropriate.

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Clinic attendance is an optional observation opportunity designed to support reflection and understanding of the infant feeding journey. It does not form part of a practical training pathway and does not provide competency-based training in tongue-tie assessment or frenulotomy.

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Attendance is subject to:

• availability of suitable clinic appointments,

• consent from families attending the clinic,

• maintaining confidentiality and professional conduct,

• appropriate identification and professional attire.

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Participants wishing to attend should contact D-Restricted Ltd® to discuss suitable dates.

The clinic is based on the Warwickshire/Leicestershire border (CV13 area) or Derbyshire (DE65).

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Please note that attendance cannot guarantee observation of a frenulotomy procedure, as this depends on the needs of families attending the clinic and appropriate consent. If a frenulotomy is not observed, the reflective learning opportunity remains valuable through consideration of assessment processes, feeding support, conservative management and family-centred care.

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What is the Community Hub?

The Community Hub is a private online space available exclusively to course participants.

It provides an opportunity for learners to connect with other professionals, share relevant resources, discuss course topics and reflect on their learning throughout the programme.

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The Community Hub includes discussion areas where participants can ask questions, contribute to conversations and share experiences related to the themes explored within the course.

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The purpose of the Community Hub is to encourage peer learning, professional discussion and collaborative reflection. It is not intended to replace individual clinical supervision, professional advice or formal clinical guidance.

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All participants are expected to maintain respectful, professional and confidential communication within the Community Hub. Any information shared should protect the privacy of families, infants and service users.

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What can I share in the Community Hub?

Participants are encouraged to share:

• Relevant research, articles and professional resources

• Reflections on course topics

• Learning experiences and professional perspectives

• Questions relating to the educational content

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When discussing clinical experiences, participants must ensure that all identifying information is removed and confidentiality is maintained at all times.

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Course access and technical information

How do I access the course?

Once enrolled, participants will receive access to the online programme through their account area.

The course can be accessed at any time during the access period, allowing learners to work through the material at a pace that suits their individual circumstances.

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The programme includes access to the course content and the private Community Hub for participant discussion and peer learning.

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Can I view the course on any device?

The course can be accessed using a range of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and mobile devices.

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For the best learning experience, we recommend using a desktop or laptop where possible, particularly when viewing presentations, images, videos and supporting resources.

 

Can I print or download the course materials?

The course content and supporting resources are provided online and are not available for download or redistribution.

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This approach supports sustainability, protects intellectual property and ensures that learners have access to the most current version of the course materials.

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Participants are welcome to make personal notes while completing the programme but must not share course materials, recordings, presentations or resources with others.

 

How do I navigate through the course?

Each module contains structured learning content, including presentations, resources and quizzes.

Participants should complete each section in order and mark activities as complete within the programme system to ensure their progress is recorded correctly.

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If you experience any technical difficulties accessing the course, please contact D-Restricted Ltd® for support.

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Payment, terms and policies

Does the course offer a payment plan?

At present, payment plans are not available for this programme.

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Full payment is required at the time of enrolment to gain access to the course materials and Community Hub.

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What terms and policies apply to this course?

By enrolling onto the programme, participants agree to the Course Terms & Conditions and D-Restricted Ltd® Privacy Notice.

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We recommend that all participants familiarise themselves with the relevant policies and supporting documents before commencing the course.

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These documents outline important information regarding course access, participant responsibilities, data protection, intellectual property and professional conduct.

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How can I contact you?

If you have any questions about the programme, enrolment or course access, please contact D-Restricted Ltd®.

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You can contact me via the website contact form or by Email: diana@tongue-tie.info.

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Participants who have enrolled onto the course can also access support through the private Community Hub.

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I aim to provide a supportive learning environment and are happy to assist with any questions relating to the programme.