**This course is due to be archived on 30 July 2024

Learning objectives

Upon successful completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify the anatomy and function of the developing tongue and frenulum
• Recognise why tongue tie (TT) is important to consider in the context of feeding and development in infants 0-6 months
• Demonstrate an understanding of current evidence-based tools for the identification and assessment of TT
• Decide, on application of the evidence and these tools, when to refer onto other specialists for further management and when other management options are appropriate
• Utilise potential pathways post TT assessment and evidence-based treatment approaches, should feeding problems persist.

Ms Emma Necus BSc & MSc(Speech & Language Therapy), IBCLC, MSPA, CPSP
Queensland Children's Hospital, Children’s Health Queensland

Emma Necus is a Speech Pathologist (BSc & MSc Speech and Language Therapy), currently practising at the Queensland Children's Hospital (Children’s Health Queensland), where she has held several roles working in paediatric dysphagia, including senior and clinical leadership roles. She is currently also practising as a Senior Speech Pathologist (Paediatric/Neonatal) at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. Emma has over 10 years of experience working in neonatal settings, which led her to pursue her certification in 2014 as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

Emma runs her own private practice where she provides in-home feeding support to new mothers and babies. Emma has been an active participant in the creation of pathways for professionals and families navigating evidence-based decisions around tongue tie assessment and management in both New Zealand and Australia.

Ms Lois Wattis BNurs, PGradDipClinNur (Midwifery), (FACM), (IBCLC)
Australian College of Midwives

Lois’ Nursing and Midwifery career spans 25 years, studying and working in WA and Qld in both hospital and community settings. Midwifery and breastfeeding soon became her passion, culminating in her accreditation as an Independently Practising Midwife in 2002, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in 2004. Lois’ outstanding contribution to Midwifery was formally recognised in 2006 with a Fellow of Australian College of Midwives awarded at The International Congress of Midwives, Brisbane.

The opportunity to specialise in Lactation Consultancy in an acute setting arose in 2007 when Lois accepted the role of Clinical Midwife Lactation Consultant with Sunshine Coast Health Service. This demanding role provides holistic antenatal and postnatal care to mothers and babies across the continuum in a wide range of areas including Neonatal Special and Intensive Care, Maternity Ward, Birth Suite, Paediatric Ward and Paediatric Emergency Department, and Adult Mental Health Unit. The Lactation Consultant has significant involvement in women’s care and education in Antenatal Diabetic and Maternity Clinics and provision of Antenatal Breastfeeding Education classes. The CNM Lactation is responsible for breastfeeding and BFHI education of midwives and doctors, as well as midwifery, nursing and medical students, and maintaining collaborative relationships with Neonatologists, Paediatricians, Obstetricians, Speech Pathologists and Dieticians.

Lois’ role also involves development and ongoing evidence-based review of all Breastfeeding Policies and related Workplace Instructions. Lois’ interest in and study of the topic of infant tongue tie culminated in the development and implementation of a health service Workplace Instruction for Health Professionals to guide evidence-based assessment and treatment of Ankyloglossia (infant tongue tie). Lois is accredited to assess infant oral anatomy utilising the ATLFF Assessment tool, counsel parents about treatment options including potential risks and benefits, and to independently perform the surgical procedure by simple scissor frenotomy. This role includes the education of student doctors, midwives and nurses in the tongue-tie assessment process and frenotomy procedure, along with enabling mother/baby dyads to achieve comfortable and successful breastfeeding relationships.

Lois has developed and presented BFHI Workshops for health professionals over the past decade, and shared her knowledge and experiences via numerous articles published in professional journals nationally and internationally, and as a presenter at conferences and seminars over the past 20 years. Lois also provides a private Lactation Consultancy service on the Sunshine Coast Qld, which is complimented by her resources for new parents titled New Baby 101 – A Midwife’s Guide for New Parents” (book and “how to” videos). Lois is lead author of “Three experienced lactation consultants reflect upon the oral tie phenomenon” which was published in Breastfeeding Review in March 2017.
Wattis L, Kam R, Douglas P. Three experienced Lactation Consultants Reflect upon the Oral Tie Phenomenon. Breastfeeding Review 2017; 25(1): 9–15

• Training Hours: 1.30