Hi, 

My name is Rebecca and I am a junior nursing student at the University of 
North Dakota.  I have done some research on breastfeeding an infant who has 
been born with a cleft palate and/or cleft lip.  I was wondering if this is even 
possible.  In one article by Garcez et. al (2004) it stated that breastfeeding 
and suction is not impossible for the baby; although it can be difficult.  It also 
states that although breastfeeding can occur, it can be difficult for the baby.  
This author gives ways of making it easier for the child to feed.  Some of 
these include putting a finger in the baby’s mouth to seal the suction of the 
lips, using warm compresses to stimulate production of the milk, and putting 
the nipple of the breast to the better side of the cleft.  

I was also reading that children with cleft palates are at higher risk for ear 
infections.  According to an article by the Health and Wellness Resource 
Center (1999), breastfeeding is beneficial for these children because it helps 
to minimize the infections due to immunity they are receiving in the breast 
milk.  

In two articles that I found, they talk about two devices to make 
breastfeeding easier for babies.  One was found from the Health and Wellness 
Resouce Center (1999).  They talk about Palatal obturators for the baby to 
help with their sucking and to reduce their cleft.  Kogo, et. al (1996) talked 
about the other device.  This device is called the Hotz-Type Plate.  This is a 
plate that is put in the baby’s mouth to help with better feeding.

My question for all of you is if you have ever heard of any of the two devices 
and ever used them?  My other question is if you have any suggestions for 
helping mothers breastfeed their baby with cleft palate and/or cleft lip?

Thanks so much for you time!
Rebecca 


References

Garcez, L.W., & Giugliani, E.R.J. (2005). Population-Based Study on the 
Practice of
Breastfeeding in Children Born with Cleft Lip and Palate. Cleft Palate
Craniofacial Journal, 42(6), 687-693.

Kogo, M., Okada, G., Ishii, S., Shikata, M., Iida, S., & Matsuya, T. (1997). 
Breast 
Feeding for Cleft Lip and Palate Patients, Using the Hotz-Type Plate. Cleft
Palate-Craniofacial Journal, 34(4), 351-353.

Health and Wellness Resource Center. (1999). Breast-feeding the baby with 
special
healthcare needs: cleft lip or palate and cystic fibrosis. The Exceptional 
Parent,
29(11), 52-54.
 

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