Is this really a tongue tie?

[Hillbillyhotel]

My 10 week old ebf dd is gaining weight very slowly. I contacted my HV yesterday who sent a nursery nurse who said it’s likely tongue tie but couldn’t look inside DDs mouth because of risk of infection (covid). My hospital aren’t offering tongue ties atm and I’m happy to go private but it’s £180 for the appointment reduced to £120 if no division us needed and I’m not convinced she’s got one. I’ve not had sore nipples or mastitis once and she doesn’t struggle to latch. Could you please let me know what you think from these pictures?

I might be wrong but I think you can get it cut at the dentist for much less than that. And I'd say it's tongue tie... My little one's was very similar to that. It wasn't too severe but it made a huge difference to his latch.

Does or can she poke her tongue out? Both my dc had tongue ties and looked very similar to your pics although more pronounced. We had a huge fight to get ds tie snipped although dd managed to split hers by herself somehow.

I’d get it looked at if you can afford the fee.

If there is concern about weight gain, I would go back to the health visitor and ask for other options rather than private?

In my local area they have reduced tongue tie provision at the moment but will do it if there are concerns about weight. My little girl had a tongue tie cut (pre-Covid) and it saved our breastfeeding journey. But equally if there aren't concerns it may not need cutting? All the best.

Thank you so much everyone. This is my third dc but the first I’ve managed to breastfeed and I feel so clueless. I’ve phoned to book an appointment, just waiting on a call back now. Re weight, she only gained 170g in three weeks and has dropped from the 50th to the 25th centile since birth and they still won’t do it under NHS, the HV said they’re only accepting severe cases. I’m happy to pay for it but couldn’t really afford to pay the money for someone to come and say it doesn’t require division so you’re assurance is massively welcomed! Thank you all again!

@Hillbillyhotel that sounds like bullshit. I've had no problems getting tongue tie snipped with both of mine and of there's problems feeding you should be able to get it done on nhs as soon as possible. Do you have any breastfeeding support workers or b feeding support groups that you can get in contact with. It was these that were able to refer me very quickly both times.

My lo had a to guess tie. It was really hard to spot so we didn't get it cut until she was a month old. The specialist nurse at the bf clinic had to put her fingers right under her tongue to reveal it.
I was in a lot of pain feeding though. My lo also had a constant white tongue. I thought it was thrush initially but it was actually milk as her tongue couldn't move properly to maneuver it to the back of her throat.
I hope the hv can get you an alternative to check it properly. You're right, that is a crazy amount of money when it may not be the issue.
Good luck op.

My youngest had a tongue tie. We had an appointment with the midwife who specialised in it. She had a good look and said that DD’s was mild enough to not need cut. We didn’t have any problems feeding though. Surely there’s someone who can look in your child’s mouth and check. I appreciate the problems Covid poses but your DD’s ability to feed well is essential to her thriving. I would ask then again and explain all your concerns. Hopefully they’ll reconsider.