A Feeding Program

Not all of the children needing surgery can immediately come for repair. Many of the cleft lip/palate children are dramatically malnourished. Breast feeding is ineffective as a seal is frequently difficult. Mothers try to get other food to their babies but the anatomical deformity more often results in coughing and choking spells rather than effective feeding.

Children may be several months old yet less than 3 kg. A feeding program has been instituted whereby the moms and babies stay at a hospitality center where the moms are taught effective feeding techniques using high calorie feeds (often soy milk and peanut butter!) Their progress is followed closely and weeks later once they gain sufficient weight they are admitted for repair.

Not all of the problems can be addressed immediately, yet there is an deep interest in each patient and family. If the necessary care will take time, we try to make that possible. To see the excitement and joy of a mom as she admires her infant following their cleft repair is hard to describe.

Gary