Hi all, 

I am curious about any stories related to an absent uvula at birth with no other clinical findings, no cleft palate - have you noticed this impacting breastfeeding at all? swallowing/feeding?  Have babies needed any special nipples for feeding? 

Posting with permission, we had an infant with an absent uvula who had a fair latch that became shallow in the first 2 days (baby was twin B). Mother had sore nipples and was primarily breastfeeding both babies. We were able to adjust positioning and that seemed to improve the latch greatly, good signs of milk transfer evident with both babies.  The baby in question was having some issues with gagging/spit up when being spoon fed formula, but nothing else to my knowledge, and nothing that seeming concerning to the parents. However - prior to discharge the MD requested the mother be given a Haeberman nipple. 

In my experience as a pediatric nurse I have not seen an absent uvula without a cleft palate and am wondering if a Haeberman would really necessary?  It seems extreme to me without a SLP assessment.  Hopefully mother can continue to breastfeeding and wean off the formula as she progresses, but I am still curious on what you all have seen.  

Thank you.   

Ani Simonoff RN, BSN, CPN, IBCLC
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