Feeding Method
The procedure is
not the endpoint.
A hybrid one-day masterclass for clinicians working in infant feeding. Seven pre-recorded theory modules. Three live patient demonstrations. A structured clinical framework developed by Kate Roche from over 20 years at the frontline of tongue tie treatment in Ireland.
Tie Talk Elite members receive 20% off at checkout.
The clinical problem
Tongue tie release removes
a structural restriction.
It does not rehabilitate what formed around it.
The compensatory feeding patterns that developed in the baby's nervous system, posture, and suck-swallow-breathe coordination need to be actively addressed. Without a structured rehabilitation framework, families leave the procedure with a sheet of exercises, no rationale, and no way of knowing whether what they are doing at home is making any difference.
The PRIME Feeding Method is the framework that closes that gap. It is built on the principle that the preparation is the intervention, and that the feed begins long before the baby latches.
"Programme before you feed. The preparation is the intervention." Core principle, The PRIME Feeding Method
The framework
Five stages. One sequence.
PRIME is not a checklist. It is an integrated clinical framework that addresses the full picture of what a successful feed requires, and why feeding continues to break down even after structural issues have been resolved.
The caregiver's autonomic nervous system state is the first clinical variable. Co-regulation is a prerequisite, not an afterthought. You will learn to assess and support caregiver regulation as a foundational step before any feeding work begins, without extending consultation time.
The infant must be neurologically safe, settled, and receptive before feeding work begins. Readiness in PRIME extends beyond recognising cues: you will learn specific techniques to bring the baby to a calm, organised state so that correct feeding technique can be established from the start of each feed.
Postural symmetry and midline orientation, achieved through identification and unwinding of fascial and myofascial tension patterns that compromise feeding mechanics. Whole-body alignment is a clinically significant variable that is frequently overlooked in feeding assessment.
Suck-swallow-breathe coordination training using the proprietary ACE Tools. Three instruments. One goal: a coordinated, efficient feeding pattern that the infant can maintain without distress or compensatory effort. The ACE Tools are covered in full in Module 5
The trained pattern transitions from effortful practice to embodied, subcortical function in a supported, enjoyable, functional feed. This element addresses how clinicians teach and sustain embodied motor learning, so that families leave the clinic with a skill, not just instructions.
How it works
A hybrid format built for clinicians
Theory is delivered through pre-recorded modules completed before the live day. The in-person day is reserved entirely for what can only happen in person: live clinical observation across the full care pathway.
Before the day โ online
Seven pre-recorded theory modules
Approximately 3.5 hours total. Available immediately on registration. All modules must be completed before attending the live day.
- 1The PRIME Feeding Method: foundationsapprox. 30 min
- 2P: Parent regulationapprox. 20 min
- 3R: Readinessapprox. 15 min
- 4I: Isoalignapprox. 35 min
- 5M: Motor patterning and the ACE Toolsapprox. 35 min
- 6E: Embody motor learningapprox. 25 min
- 7Parent communication and educationapprox. 25 min
On the day โ 28 May 2026, Clonmel
Three live patient demonstrations
No lecture content on the day. Every session is live clinical observation across the full care pathway, with Q and A after each case.
-
110:00 to 11:50Initial assessment and prehabilitationClinical evaluation, body and suck preparatory work, Q and A
-
212:45 to 14:25Frenectomy dayCO2 laser frenuloplasty with Dr. Justin Roche, post-procedure feeding support, Baby Led Diamond care, Q and A
-
314:40 to 16:20Post-operative feeding follow-upPost-operative feeding session, bodywork and diamond care review, Q and A
Learning outcomes
What you will apply
From your next patient contact, across all feeding types and infant presentations.
Incorporate caregiver nervous system state into your clinical reasoning without extending session time.
Apply specific techniques to bring the infant to an optimal neurological state before each feed.
Use the three proprietary instruments for suck-swallow-breathe coordination training with confidence.
Assessment and prehabilitation, frenectomy day, and post-operative follow-up, with all three clinical scenarios demonstrated on real patients.
Empower families to integrate PRIME into their daily routine, with language and tools that support adherence.
Who should attend
Built for any regulated clinician working in infant feeding
This masterclass is suitable for any regulated clinician who works with infants with feeding difficulties and wants a structured, evidence-informed framework they can implement immediately. It is not an introductory course in lactation or infant feeding. Attendees are expected to have a foundational understanding of infant feeding in their own discipline.
Your presenters
Developed at the frontline
Kate and Justin Roche co-founded Ireland's National Tongue Tie Centre in 2007. The PRIME framework and the live demonstration programme are built from over two decades of integrated clinical practice.
Kate is the originator of the PRIME Feeding Method and the ACE Tools. She trained at the University of Liverpool and subsequently worked in acute paediatrics in Leeds and neonatal physiotherapy in Southampton before co-founding the NTTC in 2007. She developed the PRIME framework from the foundation of over 20 years experience in infant feeding and tongue tie rehabilitation.
Dr. Justin Roche is the Medical Director and Co-Founder of the NTTC and the only Consultant Paediatrician IBCLC working in this field in Ireland. He performs CO2 laser frenuloplasty with conscious sedation, the only such service in Ireland for infants aged 12 weeks to 6 months, and will conduct the live frenectomy demonstration during the masterclass day.
CPD and onwards pathway
Recognition and what comes next
A CPD certificate is issued on completion of both the pre-recorded modules and the in-person masterclass day. The certificate is applicable to CORU, ISCP, and IBLCE continuing education requirements. Application for CERPs/CME is currently pending: see tonguetietoolbox.com for current accreditation status.
Masterclass graduates join the PRIME practitioner network with access to ongoing case discussion and CPD updates. Tongue Tie Toolbox professional membership discount applies to all graduates. This masterclass is the prerequisite for the PRIME Feeding Method practitioner intensive.
2027 Teaching Tour
Australia 2027: the practitioner intensive
Completion of this masterclass is the prerequisite for the PRIME Feeding Method practitioner intensive, which forms the basis of the Australia 2027 teaching tour programme. Graduates of this masterclass will receive priority access and early notification for practitioner intensive dates.
for Australia
2027
Practical information
What to expect on the day
National Tongue Tie Centre, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Full address provided on registration. Convenient to the M8 motorway. Parking available on site.
Wednesday 28 May 2026. Registration from 08:30. Masterclass runs 09:00 to 17:00. Maximum 20 attendees.
Comfortable clothing recommended. All course materials are provided. Lunch and refreshments included. Online module access begins immediately on registration.
All seven pre-recorded modules must be completed before attending the live day. These will be available by 21 May 2026. The live day assumes this theoretical foundation is in place.
What clinicians say
From those who work with PRIME
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Questions
Frequently asked
Reserve your place
Introduction to the PRIME Feeding Method
28 May 2026, National Tongue Tie Centre, Clonmel. Maximum 20 places. Early registration strongly recommended.
- Seven pre-recorded theory modules, available immediately on registration
- Full day in-person masterclass at the NTTC, Clonmel
- Three live patient demonstrations across the full clinical pathway
- PRIME Feeding Method clinical framework document
- Three months access to course materials and recording
- Lunch and refreshments on the day
- Certificate of completion
Only 20 places. Secure yours now to avoid disappointment.
Ready to bring PRIME into your practice?
20 places. 28 May 2026. National Tongue Tie Centre, Clonmel.
Reserve your place: โฌ495