London LC? Was it something I said?

[jennyapples]

So, when I first had my baby last summer, we had TT issues, etc etc. HCP basically cut us loose and said nope no problem. EVERYONE (mumsnet, HV, local LC, etc) said to contact Ann Dobson.

I emailed, texted, phoned. Not all at the same time...just as she would ignore one I'd go to the next. Nothing. NEVER got back to me.

Now we're at 7.5 months and feeding problems have arisen again, involving a tremendous amount of pain and my LCs recommended that I contact...Ann Dobson.

And again, no response.

Am I missing something here? Was it something I said? I really don't understand. :\

[Superworm]

I has this too with Ann Dobson called repeatedly and no reply.

I used katherinefisher.co.uk instead who was great.

[StepfauxWife]

I'm afraid I had a bad experience with her too. Kept fobbing me off with her osteopath friend instead of telling me whether DD had TT. And then she just disappeared.

I would give up and pursue other options.

[minipie]

Are you London based? If so then I would recommend you see Graham I Smith at Kingston Hospital. He is a facial surgeon specialising in tongue tie, costs 80 to see him privately, just call his secretary to make an appt. Another option is Malcom Levinkind based in N London but suspect he is more expensive (not sure).

I suspect Ann Dobson and other LCs would not be able to cut a 7.5 month old's TT so best to go straight to a surgeon IMO.

[jennyapples]

Thanks Superworm and Stefauxwife (great name). Glad I'm not crazy. :\ I honestly don't know why she bothers having a website or any contact information. It's awful, especially since if you're going to a private LC you're likely feeling quite vulnerable and stressed. Awful, 0/10, Ann Dobson. 0/10.

Minipie - Sorry I think you misunderstood. LO's TT was successfully revised by Dr Levinkind (practically a saint in my books!) in August. The problem now is my mangled boob.

[minipie]

Ah fine, sorry I thought you'd never had it revised. I can recommend a LC if you want - Geraldine Miskin based in Surrey but covers SW london too. She's excellent.

Regarding Ann Dobson, I seem to remember reading a few stories online about TTs she had cut but which had reattached, which put me off her. (Though of course that could just be coincidence, maybe there are just more stories because she does more cuts). I guess she has so many recommendations that she doesn't need to be good at responding to everyone...

[jennyapples]

Minipie - Nope, it was fixed. You were one of the pe ople I remember who was very supportive. You're part of the reason I managed to BF at all! x

Paintyfingers - In addition to all the private LCs who ignored me when I had a

[minipie]

glad to have been of help

[jennyapples]

Paintyfingers I'm in Z1 / W2 so could get to Central London but part of the problem I had before was that they seemed to have sporadic meetups and it was just too long to wait (well, that and nobody answer the phone or calling me back). Is there a regular meetup somewhere? Sorry for the stupid questions xx

[jennyapples]

Oh also to add, re: Minipie's reply, if anyone is reading this, Dr. Levinkind cost £380. Pricey, but he used the fancy laser! and did the ULT as well as the PTT. He was absolutely wonderful.

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

Fobbed me off with osteopathy too. DH (a doctor with no tolerance for osteopathy) was quite pissed off.

And she has tonnes of photos/ videos of my breasts on her iPad now.

[jennyapples]

Ahh you are a star, thank you xx

[Victoria2002]

This happened to me too! Finally decided I was desperate enough to spend a fortune, asked everyone who to see...no reply for ages then suddenly called to invite herself over! I was so desperate and would've much preferred if she'd just messaged me to say she was unavailable or would call in a week or whatever! In the end an NCT peer supporter (much less qualified) gave me great help (better than all the hcp's) and tipped me off about "breastfeeding support team" a private breastfeeding group in NW London where for £20 I met Joanna Knapp (LC) and many other helpful experts who solved all my problems. I wish I could tell you the details but I no longer have the contact!

[JuniperHeartwand]

I second the suggestion about attending an NCT BF cafe, that helped me a lot when I'd tried so many other avenues. And sadly i echo your feelings about LLL meet ups OP, they are too sporadic and far between to offer practical help for issues like this when you need it most (better for ongoing support).

[Louiseville]

Have pmd you

[jennyapples]

Thank you all! And thank you PF for the contact info. There actually was a LLL meetup today and I rushed there...but TfL was not on my side. It took me an hour to go about 5 min and I gave up and came home but will be speaking with the lady you mentioned.

Thank you Louiseville!

So far today has been much better. I'm trying to feed him on that side in the rugby hold to mix up the contact and it does seem to help a bit...crossing fingers...

[minipie]

Is he teething by any chance? That can mean they (temporarily) latch badly as they are trying to reduce pressure/pain.

[minipie]

or they chew on you for relief...

[jennyapples]

He's been teething for months! I'm pretty sure I've identified the problem and it is a clot from hell trapped in the nipple. Warm soaks, constant feeding, and lanolin have really really helped.

And still no word back from she who should be put out of business. I'm thinking of writing to her and letting her know how incredibly unprofessional this is.

[Blacklisted]

I found her very brusque BUT she did offer to drive 150 miles to my home to snip my DS to when she realised I had no transport and could not find anyone closer who would do a home visit. In the end I managed to find another solution but she was very helpful and kind despite the off putting manner...

[jennyapples]

I would know about her manner as she still hasn't replied!

[jennyapples]

(er, wouldn't!)