I posted several weeks ago about a 3month old with a cleft palate whose
mother wants to try to transition baby back to breast as she is tired of
pumping.  We've worked with a nipple shield for several weeks since baby
does semi-ok with bottle, but he isn't making much progress. Mother
would now like to speak to physician about getting a palatal obturator
so that he can create better suction.  I would like to be able to
provide her with some info to bring to Dr. since he has not been
supportive of breastfeeding from the beginning.  I have no experience
with obturators and can only find old info.  Any suggestions where I can
find recent info?  (I've sent for LLLs new pamphlet but who knows when
that will come!)

Happily, mother is so convinced of the value of breastmilk that she says
she will go ahead and pump until surgery at nine months if she can't try
the obturator.  (Maybe this is because I call her every few days and
tell her what a fantastic thing she is doing for her son!)

Thanks for all your earlier suggestions and for any info about
obturators!


Becky Butler, IBCLC
La Plata, MD