Many mothers look forward to breastfeeding as a way to nourish their baby, help them grow strong, and create a loving bond. So, when you find out that your baby will be born with a cleft lip or palate, it’s natural to feel worried or unsure about how breastfeeding will go. You might even be told that breastfeeding won’t be possible. However, depending on the type and size of the cleft, many mothers are able to breastfeed partially or even fully. This guide is here to support you. It will help you understand what a cleft is, how it might affect breastfeeding, and how you can feed your baby with love and care while navigating this journey together.

What is a Cleft?

A cleft is a gap or opening in the lip or the palate (roof of the mouth) that happens while a baby is developing in the womb. A cleft lip is split in the upper lip, and a cleft palate is a hole in the roof of the mouth, which may or may not extend to the baby’s gumline. In about half of babies affected by clefts, both the lip and palate are affected. 

How a Cleft Can Affect Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding may look different when your baby has a cleft, but that doesn’t mean it can’t work. Here are some common challenges:

• Trouble Latching: Your baby might find it harder to latch onto the breast because of the gap in the lip or palate.
• Forming a Seal: With a cleft lip alone, your baby’s ability to latch and transfer milk is less compromised, but they may have difficulty forming a good seal on the breast. 
• Milk Spilling: Milk may leak out through the cleft or nose, instead of staying in your baby’s mouth, making it harder for them to get enough milk.
• Suction: If your baby has a cleft palate, they might struggle to create suction and have issues transferring milk effectively. 

How to Breastfeed a Baby with a Cleft

While breastfeeding a baby with a cleft may take some extra effort and creative strategies, many mothers find that with the right techniques, it can be a very rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you:

• Find the Right Position: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to see what works best for your baby. Feeding your baby in a more upright position may help minimize milk from getting into their nasal passages.
• Support the breast: Gently shaping your breast or using your finger or thumb to fill any gaps in the lip can help your baby form a better seal and make breastfeeding more effective.
• Use a nipple shield: If your baby is struggling to latch, a nipple shield may help. Make sure to talk to a lactation consultant before using one to make sure it’s the right choice for you.
• Stay Patient and Positive: Breastfeeding might take some time and practice, especially if your baby has a cleft. Be patient with yourself and your baby. Every small step is progress, and every drop of milk is a gift to your little one.

When Supplements are Needed

Sometimes, breastfeeding alone may not be enough to meet your baby’s needs. Here are a few ways you can make sure your baby gets enough nourishment:

• Pumping: If your baby has trouble latching, you can express your milk and feed it to them using a bottle or feeding tube. This enables your baby to receive the benefits of breast milk and helps to keep them healthy.
• Supplementing at the Breast: If your baby needs more milk while breastfeeding, a supplemental nursing system can help. This device allows you to give extra milk while your baby is breastfeeding.
• Special Needs Bottle: If your baby needs to take bottles, there are special bottles designed for babies with clefts. These bottles make it easier for your baby to form a good seal and feed comfortably.

Breastfeeding After Surgery

Surgery to repair your baby’s cleft lip or palate can also affect breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or surgeon to learn when it will be safe to start breastfeeding again after surgery. While waiting, you can express your milk and feed it to your baby using a bottle or feeding tube. Breastfeeding may take some time to relearn after surgery, but being familiar with breastfeeding before surgery will help your baby adjust more easily once they are ready to feed at the breast again.

• Cleft Lip Repair: This is usually done between 3-6 months of age.
• Cleft Palate Repair: This surgery happens later, typically between 9-18 months of age, when your baby has grown more.

How to Take Care of Yourself

As a new mother, it’s important to take care of yourself too. You deserve love and support as you care for your baby. Here are a few reminders:

• Rest when you can: Sleep and relaxation are key to keeping your energy up.
• Eat healthy foods: A well-balanced diet will help you stay strong and healthy.
• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for support from family, friends, or professionals. 
• Get Professional Support: Lactation Consultants are infant feeding specialists who can help with breastfeeding, establishing your milk supply, offering supplementation, and provide you with invaluable support to overcome any breastfeeding challenge.
• Support and Resources: You are not alone in this journey! There are many organizations, support groups, and online communities where you can connect with families of babies with clefts. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it.

When Breastfeeding Isn’t Possible

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
• Birth & Breastfeeding

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

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