Weight gain and feeding in the neonate with cleft: a three-center study.

A retrospective investigation was carried out on 202 neonates with cleft from three cleft units to establish mean weight gain per week and to investigate problems with feeding. Results show that the mean weight gain per week was lower than that of children without cleft, the group with only cleft palate showing the lowest weight gain. There were indications that 25% of infants may experience early feeding difficulties and that these could be associated, among other things, with ulceration of the nasal mucosa. These problems arise despite early counseling, and further work regarding the way in which parents are advised is indicated. The results of this survey have allowed the group in Birmingham to set realistic goals for mean weight gain for all cleft types, to reassure parents, and to advise community health workers.