This mom is fortunate to know prenatally about the cleft so she can
research her options.
There is a surgical practice in Virginia (Dr.s McGee and Denk) who
perform cleft repairs in the first week after birth, to take advantage
of "fetal healing", fast healing resulting from the rapid growth in the
early postpartum period.  They spoke at the ILCA conference a few years
ago.  They have IBCLCs on staff to help baby start breastfeeding as soon
after the surgery as possible.

If she does not choose early repair, she will have to pump for the cleft
baby.  Baby can go to breast with the co-twin and this might help him or
her get some milk, but few babies with cleft palates can breastfeed
completely.

Whatever method of supplementary feeding she uses, please encourage her
to find a feeding specialist to help her feed the baby in a way that
helps the development of tongue motions.  I've seen horrible things done
to babies with clefts in the name of "feeding".

--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[log in to unmask]

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