About Us
Who are we?
Welcome to Forward Feeding, a dedicated Newborn Feeding Support and Tongue Tie Clinic led by a registered nurse with over 10 years of experience and a practicing midwife for the past 6 years. With a strong foundation in NHS tongue tie services and certified training as a breastfeeding counsellor, I bring a compassionate, evidence-based approach to supporting families through early feeding challenges.
Meet the Team
Claire Smith
I qualified with a BSc (Hons) in Adult Nursing in 2014, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery. I also hold Level 7 qualifications in Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) from BCU and Tongue-Tie Division, awarded by Wolverhampton University, and I am a qualified Breastfeeding Counsellor.
Over the years, I have built an extensive portfolio of experience across maternity, newborn assessment and infant feeding support, strengthening both my clinical expertise and my ability to provide calm, compassionate, evidence-based care to families.
As a mum of three, my own feeding journey has deeply shaped both my personal and professional outlook. When my third baby arrived in 2019, I faced unexpected challenges with feeding due to a significant tongue tie. Having previously breastfed two children with ease, I suddenly felt lost and overwhelmed—even as a healthcare professional. That experience gave me a new perspective and a greater understanding of the struggles many families face, ultimately fuelling my commitment to make a difference.
What makes my practice unique is that I continue to work within the NHS alongside my private work. This dual role allows me to bring the very best of both worlds to the families I support: the credibility and breadth of experience gained through the NHS, combined with the flexibility and personalised care of private practice. Together, these roles ensure I can provide safe, evidence-based, and family-centred support.
Matthew Smith
Forward Feeding is part of Smith’s Medical Group. As you will be attending a joint clinic, we’d like to introduce Matt and provide a brief overview of his role and qualifications, so you know who will be present during your appointment if a tongue tie division is performed.
Matt is the co-owner of Smiths Medical Group, a highly experienced Nurse Prescriber with a Master’s Degree in Advanced Clinical Practice. With a background in A&E and urgent care, he has built a career on delivering safe, effective healthcare with a personal touch.
Alongside his work in aesthetics and wellness, Matt also provides clinical support and oversight for Claire’s breastfeeding and tongue-tie separation service, ensuring the highest standards of care for mothers and babies.
Matt’s passion is helping clients feel healthier, more confident, and empowered — whether that’s through hormone optimisation, restoring balance with nutrient therapy, achieving weight-loss goals, or supporting families in their early days.
