breastfeeding help So I'm pregnant with twins and was planning on breastfeeding like I did with my son. But we just…
breastfeeding help
So I'm pregnant with twins and was planning on breastfeeding like I did with my son. But we just found out they both have cleft palet and cleft lips. I'm doing the amnio to see if there's any other problems. But since they have the cleft issues am I going to be able to nurse? Not sure if anyone knows about the cleft lips but u guys r the best about breastfeeding
deleted-user·
I would meet with a LC now too, just to get thoughts and ideas before the babies arrive. But never say never! Every feeding you can do with your milk will benefit them for their whole lives. Keep us posted and good luck!
deleted-user·
My Dr said breastfeeding is possible but you have to do it sitting up :/
deleted-user·
My now 3 1/2 yr old was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. You can not breastfeed with the cleft palate. It's like sucking through a straw with a hole in it. I pumped for the first three months then switched to formula. The habermann bottle will probably be the bottle to use for your little ones. It's scary at first, but get referred to a cleft palate clinic as soon as you can. They will walk you through everything and make everything seem a lot easier. Best wishes. :)
deleted-user·
My nephew had cleft lip when he was born. They told her through the whole pregnancy he had cleft pallet but turns out those scans don't know everything! But yes he breastfed better than he did with bottles. He hated bottles... they gave her some special ones for cleft lip, she ended up just using Tommie tippie. Hah she is actually trying to wean him now.
He had his surgery at six months I believe.. and you can't even tell he was born with cleft lip! Those surgeon's are amazing.
Crystal ·
From what I've been reading is if it's a cleft lip they can nurse but having a cleft palet too is when it's hard but still possible if u learn right and the baby will do it. But definitely something I will try my hardest to do
deleted-user·
Jack Newman has good points about cleft lips and palates. There's a common belief that breastfeeding requires a vacuum, so that's why babies with clefts can't nurse. But he says that's not true!
Crystal ·
Thanks I will look into that soon. I still have time but I want to be ready because I want to breastfeed if I can. Or at least them get my milk.
deleted-user·
From reading this, it sounds like you should try!
http://cleftlipandpalatebreastfeeding.com/2013/09/exclusive-breastfeeding-with-cleft-lip-and-palate/
Lots of info in the comments section about babies with different types of issues.
deleted-user·
Yes it will be but it will be worth it :) join the group exclusively pumping on FB lots of momma pump because of cleft lip there is also a lot of mom's that pump for twins. It's an amazing group and they will have lots of pumping advise.
Crystal ·
I planned on pumping until after their surgeries are done and hopefully get them on the breast.
But will pumping be hard when I have twin newborns and a 2 year old?
deleted-user·
It's not ideal but I exclusively pump I'm almost 17 months pp and I've never had to supplement (other then 1oz after birth for blood sugar issues) and I've been able to donate about 1000oz so you could still give all breast milk in a bottle if you needed to.
deleted-user·
I don't have any personal experience but here's the kellymom resources
http://kellymom.com/health/baby-health/bfhelp-cleft/
Praying for a good report for all of your following tests/sonograms! And congrats on the two bebes!