Hazel Meyer
Lactation Consultant
breastfeeding-unlimited.co.ukIn this interview, Hazel shares her approach to supporting families through feeding challenges, debunks common tongue tie myths, and introduces her new course helping parents assess their baby's oral function at home.
As a lactation consultant, I often meet parents facing feeding challenges who've heard the term tongue tie tossed around—and suddenly find themselves spiralling down the parenting worry rabbit hole, wondering if that's the reason things just aren't clicking with feeding. It's a familiar place to be (we've all been there!), and it's completely normal to want clear answers when feeding isn't going as hoped.
My Superpower: Listening
This is when I feel my true superpower kicks in—it isn't just knowing all the ins and outs of baby feeding—it's listening. Really listening. I create a safe, non-judgmental space where parents can share their worries, frustrations, and “I don't know what's wrong” moments. Through gentle questions and keen observation, I help unpack what's really going on—whether it's a latch issue, low supply, a possible tongue tie, or just the need for a little reassurance.
In a world full of noise and opinions, lactation consultants tune in, connect the dots, and offer calm, practical support when parents need it most.
Global research shows that only 4% to 16% of babies have a true tongue tie, and only 50% of these babies have difficulties feeding.
Which means it is far more likely that something else is causing your feeding challenges.
Empowering Families Through Knowledge
Through my years of work within an NHS tongue tie clinic, I have seen firsthand how important it is to empower families with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their baby's oral function.
I believe parents are experts in their own babies. What they really need is a clear guide to help them assess their baby's oral function and the language and concepts needed to talk about their baby's feeding strengths and challenges.
So they can advocate more effectively and feel more in control of the process.
Building Resources for Parents
One of the exciting projects I am working on is a series of mini-courses for parents to access at home so they no longer have to search endlessly and can take the first steps in getting some of the answers they're looking for. Although this doesn't take the place of professional breastfeeding or bottle-feeding support and oral assessment, I think of it as a starting point on their journey so they do not feel so alone, and know where to get support when they need it!
I am currently creating mini-courses on tongue tie and related topics like body tension and other oral issues that impact feeding. I'm trying to get all the information I have gathered through my experience and studies to parents in a simple format to empower them.
My Clinical Background
I don't do tongue tie division (cutting) as I have not come through the lactation consultant pathway as a midwife or health visitor—but I can assess. I've overseen the tongue tie clinic at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for around 5 years, so I've learnt a lot!
That clinical experience, combined with my ongoing studies, has given me a deep understanding of how oral function relates to feeding—and how to communicate that clearly to parents who are often overwhelmed and looking for answers.
Become Oral Savvy: At-Home Oral Assessment Guide for Parents
I've just launched my first course on how parents can assess their baby's oral function for themselves at home—so they have the language to advocate for themselves. Learn to understand your baby's oral function in less than 15 minutes.
View Course
