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A two-pronged approach to tongue ties with a GP and Lactation Consultant

In this thorough appointment, two specialists work together to assess your baby’s breastfeeding issues and tongue mobility, determining a) if there is a tongue tie and b) if it needs releasing. A GP and Lactation Consultant will observe a full feed and discuss the diagnosis and treatment. You will receive a management plan based on their assessment findings and personalised advice about the best option for you and your baby.

Your GP and Lactation Consultant will assist with

Feeding difficulties and attachment

Prominent tongue or lip tie

Structural and motility breastfeeding analysis

Specialist referrals (Paediatric Dentist, or Surgeon)

Management plans

Frenectomy (tongue tie release) where deemed necessary

A taste of objectivity

In our experience, a third of babies we see with tongue tie do not require a release (frenectomy) to get feeding back on track. The specialists at Baby Steps prioritise objectivity when conducting their tongue tie assessments so as not to undertake unnecessary procedures. Your GP and Lactation Consultant will provide education on the signs of a tongue tie and what they mean, personalised management plans based on the degree of feeding difficulty and transparent, objective advice on whether the tongue tie needs to be released. This appointment helps parents make an informed choice about their child and establishes ongoing support with a Lactation Consultant if needed.

What to expect from your Tongue Tie Assessment

90-minute consultation If determined necessary, a frenectomy can be performed during the appointment at no out of pocket cost (only on babies under 4 months)

Meet your Tongue Tie specialists

Dr Leon Levitt GP at Baby Steps Health Centre

Dr Leon Levitt

A certified baby whisperer with 40 years’ experience caring for babies, children and parents, Leon has quite literally seen it all. His parent-focused approach and non-judgemental ear allow him to provide the tailored strategies and advice that parents are looking for.

Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Western Australia

RANZ College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Diploma

Director and Founder of the Baby Steps Health Centre
Consulted in family medicine for over 30 years
Owner of Grantham House Family Medical Practice in Wembley
Strong expertise in the care of infants, mothers, children, parenting, and general practice procedures.
Author of ‘What do I do now? The basics of parenting babies… without stress’.

Perinatal Depression and Anxiety
Parental Anxiety
Eczema and Food Allergies

Grandfather of the year
Fighter for reform in mental health, education and refugee policies

Jill Wiffen Lactation Consultant at Baby Steps Health Centre

Jill Wiffen

The fairy godmother all breastfeeding women wish they had, Jill is not only one of the most qualified and experienced people in the state, but she’s also one of the most approachable for those needing help.

Certified International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Registered Nurse and Midwife, with a certificate in Neonatal Special Care Nursing
Obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science (Health), a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing (Child & Adolescent Health), and a Masters in Midwifery (Human Lactation Specialisation)

Worked in hospital, community, and private practice settings
Wrote and facilitated the Breastfeeding Education for Community Child Health Nurses in Perth

Caring for late preterm/early term infants

Tennis star (as injuries permit!)
Watercolour artist
Mother of three
Mahjong enthusiast

Leigh-Anne Perelson Lactation Consultant at Baby Steps Health Centre

Leigh-Anne Perelson

As dedicated to breastfeeding support as one can be, Leigh-Anne is warmth personified. Her 25+ years’ experience in the field make her a beacon of wisdom to mothers as she helps them discover confidence in nourishing their baby.

Registered International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Registered Midwife and Nurse
Master’s degree in Midwifery
Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Certificate

25 years’ experience
Previously worked at Perth Children’s Hospital NICU and Royal Perth Hospital
Currently works as a Midwife at King Edward Memorial Hospital
Trained and volunteered as a Breastfeeding Counsellor with the Australian Breastfeeding Association
Volunteers her time on the Breastfeeding Helpline
Serves as the Assistant Branch President for the ABA WA Branch

Supporting women as they find their way as mothers

Has raised three kind and fierce girls
Gets through her day one baby cuddle at a time

Lactation Consultant Rachel Farr at Baby Steps Health Centre

Rachel Farr

With 25 years as a Registered Nurse under her belt and a further 12 as a Lactation Consultant, Rachel is one of the most experienced and dedicated people in healthcare that you’ll ever meet. She applies her wealth of knowledge and exceedingly kind disposition in helping breastfeeding mothers feel more comfortable and confident in their journey.

Certified International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant
Bachelor of Nursing: Registered Nurse
Post Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Health
NDC accredited practitioner (Neuroprotective Developmental Care)

25 years as a Registered Nurse
12 years as a Child Health Nursing and Lactation Consultant
Worked in Perth and Singapore in both public and private practice

Holistic approach to breastfeeding
Child health
Family health

Run, sleep, repeat
Mother of three (two teenagers and a scruffy dog)

Get untwisted

Book your Tongue Tie Assessment today

The Clinical Guidance Committee advise Baby Steps on all clinical matters effecting the health practitioners within our centre. It’s members gather together to discuss and develop guidelines relating to:

Meetings are held several times a year, or at the request of Baby Steps for specific clinical advice. It is lead by a chairperson and educational coordinator, elected by the group of participating health practitioners.

Baby Steps supports the independent businesses of:

If you’re looking for support, contact our Practice Manager Michelle Bredemeyer
pm@babystepshealth.com.au
08 9387 2844