Breastfeeding and cleft palate?

[nicolejoy]

Has anyone here ever successfully breastfed a baby with a cleft palate? I know it's possible but more difficult...

My 2nd child (who I'm still pregnant with) has a tentative diagnosis of a genetic disease (it cannot be confirmed until after she's born) - but with this condition, around 50% of bubs have a cleft palate (although the lip is generally not cleft). I'd like to breastfeed, and I've already breastfed my first for 14-15 months - but I know that it may be harder this time around... I asked the docs at the ultrasound to check for a cleft palate and it doesn't appear to be cleft - although it can be very difficult to see on ultrasound so they can't give me a definite answer...

Any tips or advice would be great!! Thanks

 

[shoni]

My cousin had a cleft palate but not lip, my aunt was unable to breast feed and has to get customised bottles. My cousin had surgery at 6 months to close the cleft. Not sure this helps, sorry

 

[nicolejoy]

I know that I could always pump and bottle feed, but like you said they often need customised bottles too...

I also know that there's also a good chance that I won't need to worry about it, but I figure it's better to be prepared...

Would like some thoughts from LLL if any of them pop around here...

 

[LLL_Sarah]

We have a pamphlet called Give Us a Little Time about breastfeeding a baby with a cleft lip or palate. Please contact Maggie on 2817-7475 or [email protected] to borrow it.

Best wishes,
SARAH