Good evening to you all,
I have a mom who rented a breast pump from me 2 months ago when her baby was
born with a unilaterl cleft lip and palate.  At the time the mom was having a
very difficult time with her baby's defect and though she was told by several
friends that she should speak to me, she did not.  She has been pumping her
breasts regularly and feeing baby only breast milk with a Haberman feeder.
Baby is due to have his lip repaired in two weeks.  This evening she stopped by
because she was having a problem with her pump and while we were chatting she
asked me if I thought I could help her to get this baby on the breast.  My
concern is that the baby is 2 months old, has never been to breast and along
with the cleft, which is quite deep, will be going for surgery soon.  I know
research has shown that they can go back to breast quite comfortably after the
lip surgery, but we have a baby who has never been to breast at all.  I need
some feedback here.  Should we try?  Mom is willing to keep pumping but is
getting tired of the double job - pumping and feeding.  I told her I would be
asking your valued opinions and would get back to her in a few days.

Many thanks,

Yaffa Stark, MA, IBCLC