How do you feed an infant with cleft palate?

Most babies with a cleft of the palate are not able to use standard bottles or solely breast feed because they cannot create the suction needed to draw the milk out of the nipple. Special bottles and nipples are available to help infants with cleft palate feed and grow.

How do you feed a baby after cleft lip and palate repair?

Drinking and Eating

  1. Give soft, pureed or mashed foods for 3 weeks.
  2. Do not give foods that have chunks, lumps or pieces, such as seeds, grains, pulp or skin.
  3. Do not give hard, crunchy foods such as cold cereal, cookies, crackers or chips.
  4. Use only a spoon for feeding.
  5. Do not let your child feed themself.

What is the management of cleft palate?

Children with a cleft lip or palate will need several treatments and assessments as they grow up. A cleft is usually treated with surgery. Other treatments, such as speech therapy and dental care, may also be needed. Your child will be cared for by a specialist cleft team at an NHS cleft centre.

How does cleft palate affect swallowing?

Babies with clefts may swallow more air than normal during feeding due to their difficulty forming a vacuum seal, especially if the flow of milk is either too slow or too fast. They may show this by having a blue ‘moustache’, being extra sleepy or bringing up some of their feed.

How long does it take for the palate to heal?

It usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks for the incision to heal. Your child may need to wear padded arm splints for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery to prevent rubbing the surgery area.

How long does a cleft palate repair take to heal?

How to Protect the Cleft Palate Repair. Once you get home, your child’s palate will take three weeks or more to heal.

What age does cleft palate repair?

Most times, cleft palate repair is done when the child is older, between 9 months and 1 year old. This allows the palate to change as the baby grows. Doing the repair when the child is this age will help prevent further speech problems as the child develops.

Which tool is used for Gastroduodenostomy?

In terms of blood supply and tension between the reconstructing digestive tract, hemi-double stapling technique with circular stapler is the best procedure for gastroduodenostomy.

What are the nursing considerations for caring for a newborn with a cleft palate?

Nursing interventions for the patient with cleft lip and palate are:

  • Maintain adequate nutrition.
  • Positioning.
  • Tools for feeding.
  • Promote family coping.
  • Reduce family anxiety.
  • Provide family teaching.

Can babies with cleft palate use a pacifier?

See the education sheet, “Cleft palate repair: Feeding your child”. Again, all feedings should be followed by a water rinse. No nipples, pacifiers, or straws are permitted.