Michelle writes about her friend whose baby has a short fenulum and awaits
surgical help:

 'Is anyone on here from
England who might be able to give some insight why this is taking so
long?  '

The reason why it's taking so long is (I would guess) twofold:

1. Frenulectomy is hardly ever done in the UK - I mean hardly ever. In
17-plus years in this 'game' I have only come across *one* baby among
people who've been in contact with me where it was done, and then only
after a lot of pushing from the mother. I have heard of the occasional
other case from other bfcs, but no more than this. (other UK Lactnetters -
what's your exp?) .

2. It would not be considered to be urgent surgery, and you gotta wait! We
are great in the UK for treating emergencies such as heart attacks and road
traffic accidents, but unless you can convince your doc you are desperate,
you go in a long queue for anything else that needs surgery. Six weeks is a
long time if you're a baby or a baby's mother, but I bet the surgeon
probably prides himself on his quick treatment!

If she feels it would help with the supply and the soreness (and all other
causes have been ruled out) then (speaking as a consumer of our national
health service)  her only other way of 'beating the system' is to get her
GP (family doctor) to write to the surgeon asking for urgent
treatment...and to call the surgeon's secretary and say she is available to
come in straight away if there is a cancelled appointment.  Other
Lactnetters here may have other suggestions.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK