Tongue and lip tie referrals
Dr Vishal Arya, a GP consulting at Rutledge, works with midwife and IBCLC lactation consultant Melissa Pearce to assess tongue and lip ties in babies with feeding difficulties. Referrals are welcome from GPs, midwives, child and family health nurses and lactation consultants.
Reasons to refer
- Trouble latching or staying on the breast
- Painful breastfeeding or nipple damage
- Long or very frequent feeds, or slow weight gain
- Clicking or losing suction during feeds
- Concerns about how the tongue or lip moves
How it works
- 1Assessment. Dr Arya and Melissa assess the baby's mouth and watch a feed.
- 2Options. They talk the family through the options, including whether a release may help.
- 3Feeding support. Follow-up feeding support with Melissa, if needed.
Please include in the referral
- Baby's name and date of birth
- Parent or carer's name and phone number
- Feeding concerns and how long they have been happening
- Birth history and weight gain, if known
- Any feeding support already provided
How to refer
- HealthLink. EDI: Rutledge (Rutledge Family Medical Centre, Queanbeyan).
- Email. reception@rutledgemc.com.au
- Fax. Referrals can also be faxed to 02 6297 2521.
Address the referral to a practitioner by name, or to the next available practitioner. Once the referral arrives, reception will contact the patient to book and send them a new patient form.
Thank you for your referrals. The treating practitioner will send you a letter after seeing your patient, so you are kept up to date with their care.
Cost
For parents
You can book directly, or ask your GP, midwife or child and family health nurse to send a referral. You don't need a referral to book.
