ABOUT
Why I started the Happy Bubba ClinicÂ
I have seen firsthand how many families are impacted by issues relating to oral dysfunction and how hard it is to find the right support. It’s sad as many in healthcare professional roles just aren’t getting the training they need to help families through these challenges. And that was me with my youngest daughter! Despite being a newly qualified midwife 15 years ago I have trouble with breastfeeding her and several colleagues who were also friends would reasurre me that she had no tongue tie but eventually I had to stop breastfeeding. As time went on I noticed that she was struggling with her speech but she was my third and thought it would correct itself but as time went on this wasn't happening. In the meantime my knowledge around tongue ties was increasing and I asked the GP for an ENT referral to rule out a tongue tie. Eventually she saw a paediatrician who advised that she had a bad posterior tongue tie but they would not perform a division until she was 5 ! Therefore we would have to wait incase there was an improvement in her speech.
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Daisy had her tongue tie divided under general anaesthetic and was never offered any post care support for potential scar tissue problems. I didn't even realise scar tissue could be an issue until I began my research into the issues of tongue ties and the regression even after a division. This led me to take steps and train with the wonderful Tongue Tie clinic run by Carmelle Gentle so that I can share my knowledge and help as many families as possible.
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I’ve seen the impact simple exercises can have and the long-term benefits this brings to a child in my case my own daughter Daisy but also to many clients that I have seen since my training. These benefits go way beyond their feeding journey into jaw development and speech and language. It is so important that families have access to this support and I’m making it my mission to share this knowledge far and wide.
A bit about me
As well as having three wonderful children of my own my whole career has been centred around babies and I have made it my vocation in life to help as many families as I can to give them the best start in life. People tell me I am a calm, relaxed and kind natured person which has served me well in my many years as a midwife, health visitor and Hypnobirthing practitioner. I’ve met so many amazing people on my journey so far and I will always go above and beyond to support the families I meet, especially those who don’t know where to turn.
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I am very passionate about what I do in helping others through difficult patches and always feel privileged to be part of a family’s journey from preconception to the arrival of their baby and the special bonding time thereafter.
I am based in Hertfordshire which allows me to work with families based in Hertfordshire, Essex and London.
My career journey
When my sister fell pregnant and developed high blood pressure in pregnancy I found myself visiting her on the antenatal ward for several months during her pregnancy. In this time I would talk to the midwives and felt that my vocation was calling me to become a midwife. I have been a registered midwife for +15 years, Hypnobirthing Practitioner for 5 years and now a registered health visitor for the last 3 years.
Since completing my midwifery 1st class midwifery degree in 2009, I have worked in all areas of maternity including the labour wards but my love was in the community with the added bonus of supporting women and babies on their feeding journeys.
I was eager to expand my portfolio so in 2022 I completed my degree in Community Children's Nursing in Health Visiting and I remain working in my role as a Health Visitor for children 0-5 years. The continuity of this role has opened my eyes beyond my midwifery role to the challenges that families have to face if oral dysfunction is not picked up early enough and often dismissed by untrained health professionals who tell parents there is no tongue tie or oral dysfunction from tongue ties that may or may not have been previously divided.
Why I trained as an Oral Function Specialist
During my roles as both a community midwife and health visitor, I have supported many families through challenges around feeding whether it be breast or bottle. Despite support with positioning and attachment I started to develop an awareness that these challenges came from oral dysfunction. When I started my health visitor role, I could not understand the number of babies that were on medication for reflux and colic or had cow’s milk protein allergies and although some of these babies could have these genuine issues; it made me start to question whether this treatment was needed for them all.
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Having completed my training with the Tongue Tie Centre, I am now able to support families with an alternative option to help with their unsettled babies and those struggling with feeding challenges. I am already seeing the changes in the wellbeing of both the babies and families that I’ve been helping with amazing results. It's not just about the snip with a tongue tie, it's about the specialist pre and post care that I offer to achieve ongoing support and wellbeing.
Caron’s Qualifications & Credentials
Registered Midwife BSC Hons (2009) | Registered Health Care Visitor and Community Children's Nurse BSC Dip (2022)| Tongue Tie Practitioner – Carmelle Gentle the Tongue Tie Centre (2023) | Hypnobirthing Practitioner – The Association of Hypnobirthing Midwives (2016)
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