What problems can a cleft lip or palate cause?
• Babies with a cleft palate will usually have difficulty feeding because they will not be able to form a seal around a nipple or teat which means they cannot suck strongly from the breast or a teat. • There are many ways that these babies can be helped to feed, including the use of special teats and bottles, and sometimes a small plastic plate to cover the cleft in the mouth. • It may be necessary to express breastmilk and give it by a bottle. • Feeding may be slow, and sometimes the babies do not gain weight as quickly as desired. • It is important to get specialist help if there are problems feeding a baby with a cleft palate. Referrals to the local Cleft Palate Unit will usually be made as soon as a baby is born (or earlier if the problem is detected before birth). Members of the unit will be able to help with feeding problems. • Babies with a cleft lip but not a cleft palate will usually not have feeding problems due to the cleft lip. They can breastfeed, but the mother may need t
