The effects of lactation education and a prosthetic obturator appliance on feeding efficiency in infants with cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective study examined the effect of lactation instruction and palatal obturation in decreasing time to feed, increasing intake, and on growth in eight breast milk bottle-fed newborn infants with cleft lip, cleft palate, or both.

DESIGN

An A, B1, C1, B2, and C2 reversal design was used with eight mothers. In A, baseline data on minutes fed by breast were recorded. In B1, baseline on minutes fed with a Haberman bottle was recorded. In C1, minutes fed following lactation education and palatal obturation were documented. Lactation education was information given to mothers to recognize infant feeding cues and to have infant-led feedings. The palatal obturator was a passive molding appliance. In B2, the obturator was removed and minutes fed noted. In C2, the obturator was returned and lactation support provided. Mothers kept feeding logs, satisfaction was assessed, and infant breast milk intake and flow rate were recorded during each study phase. Routine nutrition evaluation of weight, height, weight for height, and feed volume was completed by a registered dietitian during and following completion of the study.

RESULTS

Feeding times decreased with all infants, volume consumed increased with seven of eight infants, and flow rate increased with all infants. Mean feeding times during B1 and B2 phases (Haberman bottle only) were 34.4 and 32.3 minutes, respectively. Mean feeding times during C1 and C2 phases (obturation and lactation education) were 15.1 and 15.6 minutes. Volume of milk consumed during B1 and B2 feedings averaged 36.5 and 37 mL, compared with 67 mL and 76 mL during C1 and C2 phases. Growth as measured by height, weight gain, and weight for height during the study and the first 2 years of life compared favorably with that of children born without clefts.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined use of a palatal obturator and lactation education reduced feeding time and increased volume intake and was associated with good growth. Mothers who had desired to breast-feed elected to use the obturator to support high-volume intake, decrease infant fatigue, and provide breast milk for nutrition.