I have worked with three babies who were fitted with obturators.  Babies
were quickly referred to an orthodontist and plastic surgeon within hours of
birth and were measured up, and obturators were fitted within about 24
hours.  I found that mothers were quite positive about attempting
breastfeeding before seeing these specialists, but quickly became very
negative about it, the difference in attitude from one day to the next was
amazing.  I can only conclude that input from these people was not helpful.
One of the babies had a narrow unilateral cleft of the hard and soft palates
and I had seen her latch and suck when she was about 12 hours old.  Mother
was so thrilled.  By next day a thick, unwieldy obturator was fitted and the
parents were advised to keep it in place *all the time*, especially during
feeding.  I was able to follow up this baby for about seven weeks, mother
made valiant attempts to breastfeed, but the thick upper gumline created by
the obturator made it impossible.  The mother pumped and fed EBM for two
months, (no ear/chest infections) then commenced some formula and I lost
contact.  Based on these experiences I'm not convinced that obturators will
always assist breastfeeding!

In my LLL days I had an Applicant whose third baby had a cleft lip and
palate.  She developed a method of feeding by expressing into the baby's
mouth.  She exclusively "breastfed" for three months, then started some
solid foods at this time (a little early...)  Baby had surgery for the
palate repair at 8 months and the mother taught the baby to nurse properly.
She told me he totally refused solids after this for several months, and
just nursed and nursed, she thought to make up for lost time.

It's so good to hear these success stories from Barbara and Becky.  We need
this kind of encouragement!

Pamela, Zimbabwe