Just thought I would continue to add information updates about a baby with a
partial cleft of the hard and soft palates whom I originally reported on
about 4 months ago.  To review briefly, this baby was one of the few in my
experience who has been primarily fed on human milk since birth.  While
unable to nurse, mother got early info on importance of pumping, and she and
I have been in contact since Day 3-4.  Baby has had a few bottles of formula
(one day of partial formula feeds due to pump crash) and mother has tried a
few other times to offer formula when she felt her supply was low, but baby
now refuses it.

At 3.5 months, baby weighed 14.12 oz (birth weight was 7.14.)  As soon as
school started, older sib brought home a respiratory infection which
everyone including baby caught.  Baby was only mildly ill.  Pedi checked
baby's ears -- no infection!  Baby got some  antibiotics -- "just to be on
the safe side" and mom had difficulty getting baby to accept, so she quit.
Baby has still had NO EAR INFECTIONS.  The surgery date to close the palate
is still early Dec. due to baby's excellent growth and health.  Parents
continue to use Haberman feeder very successfully, and mom continues to put
baby to breast during letdown and for comfort.  When breasts are full and
milk is letting down, baby can now manage to nurse for 2-3 min.  She loves
to go to sleep with breast in her mouth.  I have hope that after palate is
closed the baby will be able to breastfeed normally, and this lovely couple
will be rewarded for all their diligence by having many months of peaceful
breastfeeding.

Given the prevalence of middle ear infection in infant's with clefts of the
palate, I think that the experience of this exclusively breastfed infant is
very important.
Barbara

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Private Practice, Austin, Texas
Owner, Lactnews On-Line Conference Page
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html