Dear Mary
I'm not sure exactly what a 'paralyzed vocal chord' is. But here is
experience related to the general area: a good friend had a baby that had a
laryngal web and made no sound at birth or for the first 10 months of life
until she underwent major surgery to free up the vocal chords and
reconstruct part of the airway. Child also had severe stenosis and drs.
commented later it was amazing she made it out of the delivery room alive.
The mother breastfed the baby from birth (after the initial panic on
delivery when everyone thought baby was not crying because she was not
breathing) and weaned her around 12 months. Up until the surgery the baby
had a trach but nursed just fine. She was of course high risk for all sorts
of things including aspiration. But Mom just nursed her normally, only
taking care not to block the trach during nursing with clothing etc.
Child is now 2 yrs. 2 months, highly prone still to infections/pneumonia,
slightly behind on speech but otherwise basically healthy.
Hope this helps...
Anne Merewood