I'd like to correct a few slight misperceptions here. First, the issue is
more whether or not breastfeeding is "harmful." At least one study that
I'm aware of says it isn't. (Weatherly-White.; a fairly old study.) Most
plastic surgeons are gun-shy on letting babies to breast. I have a few
interesting studies in my database, but can't access them while I'm doing
e-mail. This won't do you much good however, because the plastic surgeon
runs the show after surgery, and we are pretty much unable to change
their minds. We really need many, well-controlled medical studies, we
just don't have enough "ooomph" on this topic yet.

--
Marie Biancuzzo, RN MS                      Perinatal Nurse Consultant
PO Box 1562                                        Phone: 703-758-0092
Herndon, Virginia 22070-1562     email: [log in to unmask]


On Thu, 31 Aug 1995, Linda Pohl wrote:

> Hello to all,
>
> I have a mom with a 6 mos girl who has a large bilateral cleft.  Mom has
> been pumping and feeding her own milk.  Baby is scheduled for surgery soon.
> Mom is very worried because baby spits up milk from a cup and will not be
> able to have any comfort objects to hold.  Lawrence says breastfeeding after
> a cleft lip surgery improves outcomes.  No word on surgery for cleft in
> palate.  Any research?  Any information?
>
> All the Best,
>
>
> Linda Pohl, IBCLC
> Phoenix, Arizona USA
> [log in to unmask]
>