On a personal note, we welcomed a healthy child into our family in March, who was born on the 25th percentile for weight. Within the first three months of her life, our joy was gradually replaced with worry as she slipped to the 2nd percentile and exhibited restricted neck movement. With no clear diagnostic from general practitioners and no helpful suggestions from health professionals, we were left to find our own solutions. Salvation finally came at the hands of a registered tongue-tie specialist, who not only diagnosed but also treated the condition, making an immediate positive impact on her feeding issues and neck mobility.

Our experience paints a stark picture of the inadequacies within the NHS when it comes to identifying, diagnosing, and treating tongue tie in babies. We aren't alone in this struggle; countless other families face similar challenges. Unfortunately, not all are fortunate enough to find a specialist who can perform the needed intervention.

It is critically important for the NHS to improve facilities and training for early and accurate diagnosis of tongue tie. Early treatment can prevent dire consequences, such as stunted growth and restricted movement, enhancing the quality of life of affected children and easing the anxiety of their families. Appropriate training to health professionals on this condition will also minimise the chance of wrong diagnosis.

Given the consequences faced by undiagnosed and untreated children and the distress triggered to their families, we are calling on the NHS to rectify this critical gap. With this petition, we urge the NHS to allocate more resources to the provision of facilities and training for the early identification, diagnosis, and treatment of tongue tie in babies. Sign the petition today and support thousands of babies at risk for better health and future.