Something I have noticed is a lack of sucking reflex. I have wondered if it
is due to the lack of sensation of the soft palate. Even with a baby
well-latched, the baby would wait and stare at the mother, like, "Now what?"
I have encouraged these moms to keep nursing, despite no activity by the
baby, because just the STS is so important. And many babies will latch on,
and fall asleep, even without the suckling action.

I'd say 50% of my experience with babies with clefts would be mom pumping,
using a Haberman and nursing after for comfort (however involved "nursing"
was). The other 50% would be mothers who pumped, used a bottle (sometimes
Haberman, sometimes a different one) and no comfort nursing.

Hate to be negative, but out of over 20 cleft-affected babies, we've never
had one who was transferring milk well enough to not be bottle-fed.

Best wishes,
Heather "Sam" Doak
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