Tongue tie

[Frizzy1986]

So my ds is 4 weeks old. He seems to generally be feeding well and was back above birth weight by 2 weeks old.
Sometimes I find he fusses at my breast, putting his mouth on and off it (sometimes getting frustrated) before he eventually latches on.
I have noticed today that his fremulon seems really close to the end of his tongue and sometimes when he cries his tongue appears to have a little dip/groove in the tip.
I'm not sure if it's just because he is a baby and his mouth and tongue are obviously small so that is why the fremulon seems close or if it could be mild tongue tie.
I don't see the health visitor until 3rd week of November, should I call them and ask them to come and look? Should I just wait? Would it be the gp who checks?
I'm wondering that although he seems to generally feed ok, if he does have tongue tie and it is dealt with we may find that any fussiness at feeding time disappears.

Sounds like tongue tie yes. It doesn’t always cause problems though, both my DH and I have tongue ties and we both bf fine - but my dds’ ties caused real problems.

Sounds like his weight is ok but are there any other issues? Are you getting sore nipples? Does he seem to be able to feed for quite a long time until satisfied, or is he wanting lots and lots of very short feeds? Does he fall off again once latched or make clicking noises while feeding? Is he very windy? Can he do long sleeps (1-2hrs+) or does he wake after just a short sleep (may show hunger or wind)?

Finding someone who can check properly for tongue tie is unfortunately not easy on the NHS. Some HVs and midwives know how, others don’t. Others think they know how but actually don’t! GPs generally don’t. Some BF counsellors at BF drop in centres know how. And then the NHS often will not cut the tie if you appear to be feeding ok. Private is much easier (find a lactation consultant who can diagnose and cut) but obviously costs money.

If you suspect TT I'd try to get baby assessed ASAP as it can really impact bf (both my DS have had TT divided, DS2's was so bad he couldn't latch at all).

I'd call your HV to see if they can direct you to the right place. Alternatively you can try the Association of Tongue Tie Practitioners website for someone who can come out privately. We got someone privately within 24 hours of contacting them, cost £150.

@minipie he feeds for about 10-15 mins every 1½-2½ hours usually.
I think the main feeding issue is when he seems hungry yet just moves his mouth around over my nipple bobbing his gaping mouth on and off, but dialing to latch.
It doesn't happen at every feed, but I can't figure out why he does it.
He sleeps in 2 hr stints, but does have a lot of gas issues and I think is quite unsettled due to wind.

How long does he do the bobbing around before latching? Do you have a strong flow (if so he might be avoiding the initial gush?) Or are you a bit engorged at those times maybe (is it night time?) so latching is harder?

@minipie he bobs around for a minute or so but doesn't actually take any milk in that time. He also doesn't always do it.
I spoke to a health visitor today and she sent me to the clinic and they have confirmed tongue tie. They are referring us to discuss the options going forward.
He's gaining weight well though so it's obviously having limited impact on his feeding but it's obviously making him frustrated and then I get frustrated and find some feedings really hard.
Thanks for all the guidance though.