For seven months, my second-born has been struggling to feed and keep food down. Our numerous visits to the GP have left us with little more than uncertain explanations and a long list of medications. We've heard everything from "it's because he is a section baby" to "his gut is just a bit immature". The prevailing diagnosis is severe reflux, and we've been offered various medications to "fix" the issue, including a dairy-free formula due to a suspected cow's milk allergy. In my desperation, I reached out to another mum, and her simple question, "Have they checked him for tongue tie?", opened up a world of research I hadn't considered. Why wasn't this option suggested sooner?

Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition that can severely impact a baby's ability to feed effectively, leading to issues often mistaken for or exacerbated by conditions like CMPA (Cow's Milk Protein Allergy) and reflux. According to the NHS, and further research, a tongue tie occurs in up to 11% of newborns, yet it is frequently overlooked during routine check-ups unless explicitly suspected.

Waiting for notable symptoms like failure to thrive or severe feeding issues before assessing a baby for tongue tie can lead to prolonged discomfort and stress for both the child and the parents. Early identification is crucial. It allows for timely intervention, which can vastly improve feeding outcomes and reduce unnecessary medical treatments.

We urge healthcare providers, particularly those involved in pediatric and infant care, to make tongue tie assessments a routine part of the evaluation for babies suspected of having CMPA and/or reflux. Integrating this step into standard assessment protocols could prevent countless families from enduring the same frustration and uncertainty that comes from not knowing why their child struggles to feed.

It is time we recognize the full spectrum of potential feeding issues in infancy and address them with comprehensive care strategies. This means not just managing symptoms with medications but probing for underlying causes—like tongue tie—that may be easily treatable.

Let's ensure that parents are given all possible information and options to help their babies thrive right from the start. Sign this petition to advocate for mandatory tongue tie assessments in cases of suspected CMPA and reflux, and make a lasting change in infant care practices.