breastfeeding w Cleft Lip or Palate?

[trekkingirl]

I found out today that my unborn baby girl may have some cleft issues. I really can't imagine not breastfeeding and hope that I can work through this obsticle if it is the case. Does anybody have any experience in this area? I need some support.

[myk]

i have no experience, but i do know that depending on the severity of the cleft, they can give you something to block the cleft palate to allow proper suction for breastfeeding. cleft lips can sometimes be left alone or just blocked with mom's thumb.

if all else fails - pumping and feeding with a Haberman feeder may be necessary, but it's still mama's milk! hopefully it won't come to that. big hugs!

[PatioGardener]

no personal experience, but this may be a place to start: http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/bfhelp-cleft.html

rooting for you and your peanut!

[trekkingirl]

we had a follow up ultrasound with a specialist today and baby looks good. Well formed lips and nose! It was a false alarm. I am really happy I won;t have the breast feeding challenge of a cleft lip. Thanks for the support ladies.

[Llyra]

Originally Posted by trekkingirl

we had a follow up ultrasound with a specialist today and baby looks good. Well formed lips and nose! It was a false alarm. I am really happy I won;t have the breast feeding challenge of a cleft lip. Thanks for the support ladies.

Oh, I'm so glad it looks like baby is fine-- and that you've probably dodged that challenge. Good news! You must be so relieved!

[myk]

i'm glad for the happy update!