Why are not more cleft palate teams using obturators to help with feeding of
babies who have cleft palates?
Is is just because breastfeeding in general is not thought of in our society,
especially in babies where it might be more difficult?
I remember Sarah Danner said that she had never seen a baby with a cleft
palate that could not at least partially breastfeed and the palatal obturator
was greatly responsible for this success.
I know they are expensive and some insurances don't pay.
I know they must be replaces frequently as the baby grows.
I know they need to be smoothed to prevent abrasions on mom's nipple and in
baby's mouth.
But after seeing Crista  Herzog-Isler's booklet "Give us a little time",
available from Medela, and seeing her video "Samuel" of babies with severe
clefts nursing, I am a believer.
Why, oh why can't this fairly simple technology be used here?   What is the
reason?
Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC
Lynchburg, VA