The Face Place/Oral Ties Masterclass for Babies

Oral Ties Masterclass for Babies

Make sense of tongue, lip and cheek ties with this parent-friendly masterclass for babies aged 0–12 months


Mother holding her baby in a softly lit nursery, representing early oral health and baby tongue tie education for parents.

Not sure what’s normal when it comes to tongue, lip and cheek ties?

This 90-minute parent-friendly class explains what oral ties are, how they affect feeding and development, and what to do next.

Created and presented by Melanie Van Schelven, Oral Health Therapist, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist and founder of The Face Place.

Confused, dismissed or just plain overwhelmed?

You’re Googling. You’re screenshotting. You’re hearing five different opinions and none of them quite fit your baby.

You know something’s not right, but no one’s really helping.
This class gives you the background knowledge to understand what might be going on and who can help next.

What You Will Learn:

Group of babies lying on a patterned rug, representing infant development and oral ties awareness for parents learning about tongue and lip ties.
  • What tongue, lip and cheek ties actually are and how they relate to feeding, sleep and early oral development

  • The most common signs and symptoms and which ones matter most

  • Why advice around ties feels so conflicting

  • What to ask, who to see, and how to move forward

It’s everything you wish someone had explained from the start.

Meet your guide: Mel Van Schelven

Oral Health Therapist. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist. Mum.

Smiling mother holding baby outdoors, symbolising bonding, early feeding and oral health education for parents learning about oral ties.

I’ve supported hundreds of families with tongue ties over the years, and I've been there personally too.

Through my work with families, I’ve seen how confusing tongue tie symptoms in babies can be and how empowering it is when parents finally understand what’s happening.

Even with years of clinical experience, facing ties with my own baby was confusing and emotional.

That experience inspired me to create this class so parents like you could access trustworthy, easy-to-understand guidance without needing to piece it all together on your own.

What's Inside The Masterclass:

Smiling baby with tongue visible, representing The Face Place Oral Ties Masterclass for parents learning about tongue and lip ties in babies.
  • 90-minute on-demand video: watch at your own pace

  • Real parent stories

  • Expert interviews

  • Downloadable slides to revisit key points

  • Trusted provider directory

What Parents Are Saying:

"What an incredible resource. You have a gift for sharing and teaching information. It’s visually appealing and so helpful. I think every parent should watch this to gain the confidence to advocate for their babies."

-Laila

"Since participating in this class, I feel confident on how to proceed with a diagnosis and treatment for my second baby as a team approach, rather than the "snip and forget" treatment we took when my toddler was a baby. Thank you for giving me confidence Mel and supporting me in making the best decision for my baby."

-Claire

Exclusive expert interviews covering all aspects of health related to oral ties.

Expert guest speakers from The Face Place Oral Ties Masterclass, including professionals in dentistry, oral health, breastfeeding, sleep, and child development.

Here's a glimpse of what's covered:

  • Breast & Bottle Feeding

  • Healthcare Advocacy

  • Infant Oral Function

  • Modern Motherhood

  • Oral Development

  • Sleep

Trawling through blog posts, parent groups, and multiple appointments?

Mother holding baby in a brown sling, representing bonding, feeding support and oral ties education for parents of babies.

It’s exhausting, time-consuming, and an unfair burden on your family.

If you’re navigating oral ties or worried about your baby’s oral function, this masterclass will help. I’ve spoken with so many parents who feel stuck, overwhelmed by conflicting advice, second-guessing themselves, and unsure what to do next.

Postpartum is already hard enough. You deserve clear answers that actually help.

This masterclass is practical, reassuring, and easy to follow, so you can feel informed and confident in your next steps.

FAQs

I’m not even sure if my baby has a tie. Will this still be helpful?

Absolutely. This class is ideal for parents who are unsure but want to understand the signs of tongue, lip and cheek ties in babies. It’s not a substitute for professional assessment or diagnosis, but it gives you the background knowledge to recognise what’s typical, know when to seek help, and build the right healthcare team for your baby.

What if I’ve already seen a health professional who said my baby is fine?

If something still feels off, this class helps you understand why feeding or oral function issues can still happen — even after an assessment for tongue ties or lip ties. Not all providers have specialised training in identifying oral ties in babies, which can make things confusing. This masterclass gives you the knowledge to recognise possible signs, ask informed questions, and confidently advocate for your baby’s needs.

Do I need to watch this before seeing a provider?

You don’t have to, but many parents find it helpful to watch first. The masterclass explains what to look for in a provider and includes a trusted directory of professionals experienced in tongue ties and lip ties. This can save you time, money, and confusion by helping you know who to see — and what to ask — before booking multiple appointments.

Is this just going to tell me to get a release?

Definitely not. A tongue tie or lip tie release (sometimes called a frenectomy) isn’t always the right option for every baby. This masterclass helps you understand what a release involves, when it may be considered, and what other tongue tie and lip tie treatment options exist — so you can make the best, most informed decision for your baby.

Will this masterclass help me diagnose oral ties?

No, this masterclass isn’t designed to diagnose oral ties in babies. Instead, it helps you understand what tongue ties and lip ties are, how they’re assessed, and what questions to ask during an appointment. It’s not a qualification or a replacement for healthcare services, but it will help you feel more confident and informed when discussing your baby’s needs with providers.

What if I still have questions after watching?

That’s completely normal. This masterclass gives you a strong foundation to understand tongue ties and lip ties in babies, but every child is unique. If you still have questions, you’ll find a trusted provider directory inside the class to help you connect with qualified professionals such as lactation consultants (IBCLCs).

My baby has feeding or breathing issues — will this help me?

If you’re noticing challenges like difficulty latching, noisy breathing, or unsettled feeding, this masterclass can help you understand how oral ties and oral function might play a role. While it’s not diagnostic, it gives you the language and insight to discuss your concerns confidently with healthcare professionals.

How is this different from other information I’ve found online?

Most online advice about tongue ties and lip ties focuses on treatment or personal experiences. This class takes a broader view, combining evidence-informed education with real stories from families and professionals. It helps you understand oral ties in babies clearly, so you can make decisions that feel right for your family — not just follow one-size-fits-all advice.

Is this masterclass applicable for parents outside of Australia?

Yes! The information in this Oral Ties Masterclass for Babies applies no matter where you live. While healthcare systems and provider access may differ, the foundational knowledge about oral ties in babies — including tongue ties and lip ties — and their impact on feeding and development remains the same.

I’m a health professional. Can I use this for Professional Development hours?

This masterclass is for parents learning about oral ties in babies, but many professionals in related fields — such as infant feeding, sleep, bodywork, or oral health — have found it valuable for expanding their understanding of tongue ties and lip ties. That said, it isn't designed for professional development.

You don’t have to piece it all together on your own.

Get trusted, easy-to-follow information about tongue, lip and cheek ties in babies so you can move forward with confidence.


We take a holistic view of children’s dental care, blending clinical insight with practical guidance for your family.

If you have questions about your child’s dental health or oral function, you can explore more in our FAQs or get in touch via our contact form.