I don't know about reintroducing the breast with an older cleft palate
child but I do have a child on my caseload with esophageal atresia.  Mom
pumped  from the beginning, child was fed  only by stomach tube for over
two months.  The child has esophagus connected at about two and a half
months and was weaned to breast after surgery. Mom almost totally
breastfed for three months but quit  when she returned to school and
work this fall.
I can't claim any success for this one, the hospital lactation
consultant helped mom. I just did the cheerleading part. I did help her
with the pump during the presurgery time so did help a bit.
This child had had nothing by mouth until the surgery, did have lemon
glycerine swabs and a pacifier. When he was ready to start feeding by
mouth, he did have a few bottles first but was offered the breast soon
after.

Pat Thomas PHN
Winona, Minnesota
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