What's the issue with feeding?
Infants born with a CL and/or a CP have difficulties when feeding, specifically they “are less able to suck efficiently, have shorter sucks, a faster rate of sucking, a higher suck swallow ratio” (Donovan, 2012) and are unable to create the proper seal and pressure needed to latch onto their mother’s breast. This results in lower food intake, malnutrition, reduced weight for age, and issues with development and growth (Donovan, 2012). Furthermore, children affected have higher morbidity and mortality throughout life than those unaffected by CL/P birth defects (Mossey, Little, Munger, Dixon, & Shaw, 2009).
The struggle with breastfeeding
Mothers may discontinue feeding with breast milk for reasons such as lack of motivation for pumping, pumping difficulties, insufficient breast milk volume, premature birth, poor dental situation in children, painful nursing, and other unspecified reasons (Aniansson, et al., 2002)
Reasons for discontinuing feeding with BREAST MILK
Breast milk v.s. formula
Research has shown that breastfeeding is the optimal choice for nutritional and nurturing aspects for infant and maternal health (Donovan, 2012). Nutritionally, breast milk has been shown to decrease childhood diseases and illnesses, offering antibodies, hormones, antiviruses, antiallergens, antiparasites, antimicrobial, growth hormones, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, fats, immunoglobulins, etc. (Aniansson, Svensson, Becker, & Ingvarsson, 2002 & Crossman, 1998 & Donovan, 2012). Breastfeeding further enhances the connection gained between mother and infant by the skin to skin contact needed (Donovan, 2012).
Breast feeding v.s. bottle feeding
In the article “Breastfeeding a Baby with Cleft Palate”, Kerry Crossman (1998), examines the significance of breastfeeding and how it could positively influence the infant both developmentally and socially. A few of these benefits include but are not limited to, food
and fluid for advance maturation and for the development of the nervous system (Crossman,
1998). This article also proves the importance of mother and infant connection
and the experience of maternal infant attachment (Crossman, 1998). Successful
breastfeeding amongst infants with a cleft is highly correlated on the skills
and attitudes of their caregivers rather than on the nature of the malformation.
Look at the Haberman Feeder link for more helpful tips on how to feed your child with Cleft Lip and / or Palate.
Look at the Haberman Feeder link for more helpful tips on how to feed your child with Cleft Lip and / or Palate.
Breastfeeding a cleft child (video file). Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=u8uz53QD7cc