Caring a cleft child

Cleft children are usually perfectly normal children except for their clefts. And, the cleft is easily correctible. It can, however, cause severe psychological disturbances in some parents . It need to be understood that these children grow up perfectly normal, except for a few surgical treatment and ancillary treatment like speech therapy and orthodontic care.

 

However, most cleft children especially if the have lips after palate as well Will have some problem in feeding. This is because they cannot create negative pressure inside their mouth go suck milk from the mother’s breast.

 

Even if the child cannot suck at the breast , the breast milk can be expressed directly into the mouth of the child. If the mother is not producing sufficient milk top feed can be given to the child. Mother can use formula milk or cow’s milk and buffalo’s milk. It is important to note that cow’s milk or Buffalo’s milk should not be diluted.

 

The bottle or nipple should be boiled at least for 20 minutes. The milk should be prepared in boiled and cooled water. When is spoon full of powdered should be mixed with 30 mL of water.

All immunization should be given at proper interval. It is important to Have a consultation with the clip surgeon as early as possible.