You've noticed something isn't quite right with your baby's feeding, sleep or mouth, and no one's properly explained why.
Tongue, lip and cheek ties get talked about everywhere and explained properly almost nowhere. This 90-minute class breaks down what's actually going on, the criteria used for assessment, and how to tell if your baby has been through a proper diagnosis process.
Created and presented by Melanie Van Schelven, Oral Health Therapist, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist and founder of The Face Place.
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 connects the dots, so you can stop second-guessing yourself and know exactly what to do next.
"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
What tongue, lip and cheek ties actually are and how they connect to feeding, sleep, breathing and early oral development
Why advice around ties feels so conflicting
What to ask, who to see, and how to move forward
The red flags that tell you when a provider isn't the best choice for your baby
Everything you wish someone had explained from the start.
Meet your guide...
Oral Health Therapist. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist. Mum.
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.
A 90-minute on-demand video you can watch at your own pace
The classification systems and red flags checklist trained professionals use
Expert interviews covering feeding, sleep, oral development and the mental load of early parenting
Real parent stories from families who've navigated this before
Downloadable slides and a trusted provider directory
"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
Breast & Bottle Feeding
Healthcare Advocacy
Infant Oral Function
Modern Motherhood
Oral Development
Sleep
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Most online advice about tongue ties and lip ties skips straight to treatment or personal opinion. This class starts earlier than that: it walks you through the actual classification systems and assessment criteria professionals use, plus the red flags that show you when an assessment has been rushed. You'll understand oral ties in babies clearly enough to make decisions that are right for your family, not just follow one-size-fits-all advice.
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.
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.
If you're navigating oral ties or worried about your baby's oral function, you shouldn't have to do it alone, half-informed, between feeds. I've spoken with so many parents who've been passed between providers, told conflicting things, and left to piece together the rest themselves.
Postpartum is hard enough without becoming the case manager for your own baby's care.
This masterclass gives you the criteria, the right questions, and the confidence to walk into any appointment already knowing what a proper assessment looks like.