Moms of many cleft affected infants can breastfeed at least part time 
with a modified supplementer or a syringe and tube. There's information 
in Selecting and Using Breastfeeding Tools, and I've probably posted on 
it previously here as well. If there's milk flow, that will help the 
baby stay bonded to the breast. Moms can also hand express into the 
baby's mouth. The supplementer tube should be between the breast and the 
baby's tongue to facilitate control of swallowing and avoid milk going 
right up into the cleft. And laid back breastfeeding positions with the 
baby more vertical can be very comfortable for cleft affected babies.

Catherine Watson Genna BS, IBCLC  NYC  cwgenna.com


On 4/1/2011 1:42 PM, Liane Varnes wrote:
> Hello Wise Ones!
>
> I am looking for information to enhance information to share with a new mom of a
> baby with a cleft palate. M would really like to be able to nurse once surgery
> is done, but that will be another six months, according to her ped. I have not
> had experience with a dyad with these issues before but my gut tells me that the
> biological nurturing approach is her best bet to help baby find comfort at the
> breast, even if there is no milk transfer.
>
>
> What are the best resources you have found to help educate both yourselves and
> the moms you've worked with in similar circumstances?
>
>
>
> Liane C. Varnes, IBCLC
>
>               ***********************************************
>
> Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
> To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
> Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
> COMMANDS:
> 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
> 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
> 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
> 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome