I recently observed a consult with a baby who just had surgical repair of a
cleft of the soft palate. Mom is an experienced breastfeeder and had pumped
and fingerfed this baby for the first six months. Within the first week, for
undetermined reasons, a hole occurred in the repair and baby has again lost
suction. The surgeon blamed it on breastfeeding attempts and was uninterested
in seeing the baby again before the six week post-op check. Question: In such
cases, how much more time must the baby wait for the patch repair? What is
customary and/or reasonable in this case? Parents and LC would both like to
know, as they are uncertain of the surgeon's support and cooperation in this
case. I'd appreciate any and all input.

-Lisa Marasco, LLLL, IBCLC
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