There should be no real obstacles to breastfeeding if the child has
spina bifida.  If there is no central nervous system problems (as may
occur with hydrocephalus), the only issue is protecting the open area in
the back, which might take some fiddling with the way the baby is held,
but otherwise, there should be no real issues.  It should be mentioned
of course, that there is always a rush to separate the mother and baby
whenever a baby is not "perfect".

If the baby really does need to be separated early, and if surgery does
result in the baby's not being able to be with the mother, the usual
approach of assuring a good milk supply, and avoiding artificial nipples
should be undertaken.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC