Oh, let's not throw every cleft-affected baby out with the bathwater!

I agree there are a number of babies who cannot create suction, but depending on the size and/or position of the cleft, some babies manage very well!

Some babies go for months not being able to nurse effectively, but suddenly figure it out around 3-4 months. Breastmilk is incredibly healing for these little guys.

We have a number of cleft-affected babies around here (probably due to environmental contamination) and quite a few of the moms breastfeed/pump/breastmilk feed. When they are "sent out" for repair, the surgeons are always amazed at the quality of their oral tissues and how well the repairs go!

I wish I could say, in deference to our dear Diane W - that the formula-fed cleft-affected sweeties have more difficulties, but the breastfed babies are so few and far between, the medical community really has nothing with which to compare.

Best wishes,
Sam Doak

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