A NEWBORN baby is missing out on the benefits of being breastfed because she is unable to get a simple operation she needs.

Emily-Louise Croft was born on Saturday with a common condition called tongue tie.

This makes it physically impossible for her to stick out her tongue, which means she cannot latch on for breastfeeding.

Her parents Matthew, 35, and Lisa Croft, 32, were left fuming after being told Basildon Hospital does not offer a straightforward operation that cures the problem.

They were then referred to Southend Hospital, which carries out the procedure, but told she cannot be dealt with until August.

Mr Croft, of Whitmore Way, Basildon, said: “The NHS is always saying breast is best for babies, but Emily-Louise can’t latch on because of her tongue, so we’re worried she’s missing out on the health benefits of being breast fed.

“She’s really unsettled and we haven’t had any sleep since she was born. It’s hard to understand why they don’t do it at Basildon Hospital, if it’s such a simple operation.

“There were three babies on the same ward with tongue tie when she was born, so it happens a lot.”

The couple now plan to pay for the operation at a private hospital in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

However, Mr Croft said: “We shouldn’t have to go private and will struggle to afford the cost, but feel we have to get it done for our baby’s own good. It’s also disgusting we’ll have to travel so far for the operation.

“We pay our taxes and if the health services places so much importance on breast feeding, it should make sure babies are able to do it.”

Babies suffering with tongue tie have an unusually short membrane connecting the underside of their tongues to the floor of their mouths.

No one from Basildon or Southend Hospital would comment yesterday.