Breastfeeding Matters

Updated 2 December 2022

Breastfeeding Matters provide a frenulotomy (tongue tie) and breastfeeding advice service for parents and babies experiencing feeding difficulties. The provider has operated as a private practitioner and currently practices under an NHS contract. This report will reflect both private and NHS services undertaken by the provider. The service operates from an NHS clinic in Surrey.

Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, is a congenital anomaly characterised by an abnormally short lingual frenulum; the tip of the tongue cannot be protruded beyond the lower incisor teeth. It varies in degree, from a mild form in which the tongue is bound only by a thin mucous membrane to a severe form in which the tongue is completely fused to the floor of the mouth. Breastfeeding difficulties may arise as a result of the inability to suck effectively, causing sore nipples and poor infant weight gain.

Breastfeeding Matters is registered to carry out surgical procedures.

There is a registered manager in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. They have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

The service has not been inspected before.

Updated 2 December 2022

The service did not have a previous rating. We rated it as good:

• The service had enough staff to care for patients and keep them safe. Staff had training in key skills, understood how to protect patients from abuse, and managed safety well. The service controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records. The service managed safety incidents well and learned lessons from them.
• Staff provided good care and treatment. Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients. Staff supported them to make decisions about care, and had access to good information.
• Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, took account of their individual needs, and helped them understand their conditions. They provided emotional support to patients, families and carers.
• The service planned care to meet the needs of local people, took account of patients’ individual needs, and made it easy for people to give feedback. People could access the service when they needed it and did not have to wait too long for treatment.
• Leaders ran services well using reliable information systems and supported staff to develop their skills. Staff understood the service’s vision and values, and how to apply them in their work. Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of patients receiving care. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with patients and the community to plan and manage services and all staff were committed to improving services continually.

Updated 2 December 2022

See the overall summary above for details.