Bottle Feeding Your Baby with Cleft Lip/Palate

Summary

This video offers guidance for parents of babies with cleft lip and palate on feeding techniques. It highlights the importance of individualized care and introduces special bottles like the Medela Special Needs Feeder and Dr. Brown's Specialty Feeding System. The video demonstrates how to assemble and use these bottles, emphasizing controlled milk flow and proper positioning for comfortable feeding. It assures parents that even if breastfeeding isn't possible, they can still provide optimal nutrition by pumping breast milk and using these specialized feeding methods.

Takeaways

• 👶 Every baby is unique, and their care needs are individualized, especially for those with cleft lip and palate.
• 🤱 Babies with only a cleft lip may be able to breastfeed, but those with a cleft palate may not be able to due to the inability to physically close the mouth.
• 👩‍⚕️ Doctors can advise on whether a baby with cleft lip and/or palate can breastfeed or not.
• 🍼 If breastfeeding is not possible, special bottles can be used to ensure proper nutrition.
• 🧴 Pumping breast milk and using special bottles is an alternative for providing the best nutrition to babies who can't breastfeed.
• 🏥 Spectrum Health recommends specific bottles for babies with cleft lip or palate, such as the Medela Special Needs Feeder and Haberman Feeder.
• 🔧 The Medela Special Needs Feeder allows for controlled milk flow through squeezing the nipple, and it requires assembly with a membrane and disc.
• 🍼 The flow rate of the Medela feeder is adjustable, indicated by lines on the nipple, with the shortest line providing no flow and the longest line the fastest.
• 👶 Positioning the baby in an upright cradled or side-lying position is crucial for feeding, and pillows or support cushions can aid in this.
• 🍼 The Dr. Brown's Specialty Feeding System is another recommended bottle that allows the baby to control the milk flow without the need for squeezing.
• ⏱ Feeding sessions should be kept around 20 minutes to prevent the baby from overworking and to ensure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Q & A

What are the feeding challenges faced by babies with cleft lip and palate?

Babies with cleft lip and palate may have trouble with feeding. Those with a cleft of the back part of the palate cannot physically close their mouth from the nose, making breastfeeding difficult.

Can babies with a cleft lip alone breastfeed?

Yes, babies with a cleft lip alone may very well be able to breastfeed.

What should parents do if their baby cannot breastfeed due to a cleft?

Parents can still provide the best nutrition by pumping breast milk and using special bottles designed for babies with cleft lip or palate.

What types of bottles are recommended for babies with cleft lip or palate according to Spectrum Health?

Spectrum Health recommends the Medela Special Needs Feeder or Haberman Feeder, and the Dr. Brown's Speciality Feeding System as the best bottles for babies with cleft lip or palate.

How can the flow of milk be controlled in the Medela Special Needs Feeder or Haberman Feeder?

The flow of milk can be controlled by offering squeezes to the nipple, and the flow rate is adjusted by aligning the lines on the nipple with the baby's nose during feeding.

How is the Dr. Brown's Speciality Feeding System different from the Medela Special Needs Feeder?

The Dr. Brown's Speciality Feeding System allows the baby to control the flow of milk without the need for squeezing, and it comes with a level one nipple for slow newborn flow rate.

What is the correct way to assemble the Medela Special Needs Feeder or Haberman Feeder?

The assembly involves placing the white membrane into the yellow disk, filling the bottle with breast milk or formula, and assembling the nipple, membrane, and collar correctly.

How should parents position their baby while using the special bottles for feeding?

Babies should be positioned in an upright cradled or side-lying position, using pillows or a Boppy pillow for support if needed.

What should parents do if milk drips from the baby's nose during feeding?

It is normal for milk to drip from the baby's nose due to the cleft palate, and parents should not be worried.

How can parents tell if the milk flow is too fast during feeding with the Dr. Brown's bottle?

If the milk seems to flow too fast, the baby may show signs such as coughing or choking. Parents can adjust the flow by gently tipping the nipple downward and giving the baby a suck break.

What is the recommended feeding duration to avoid the baby working too hard?

Feedings should be kept around 20 minutes to prevent the baby from working too hard and burning the nutrients and calories they are taking in.

Outlines

00:00

🍼 Feeding Babies with Cleft Lip and Palate

This paragraph discusses the unique feeding challenges faced by babies with cleft lip and palate. It emphasizes the importance of individualized care and the possibility of breastfeeding depending on the extent of the cleft. For babies with a cleft affecting the back of the palate, breastfeeding may not be feasible due to the inability to physically close the mouth from the nose. Doctors can provide guidance on whether breastfeeding is suitable. The video introduces special bottles designed for babies with clefts, such as the Medela Special Needs Feeder or Haberman Feeder, which allow for controlled milk flow through nipple squeezes. The assembly and use of these bottles are detailed, including filling with breast milk or formula, adjusting the flow rate by aligning lines on the nipple with the baby's nose, and the technique of gentle squeezing during feeding. Positioning the baby and adjusting the flow rate based on the baby's comfort and response are also covered.

05:00

👶 Dr. Brown's Specialty Feeding System

The second paragraph focuses on the Dr. Brown's Specialty Feeding System, which is designed to allow babies to control the milk flow without the need for squeezing by the caregiver. The bottle comes with a level one nipple for slow flow, suitable for newborns. The assembly process involves filling the base with breast milk or formula, inserting a one-way valve, attaching the nipple and collar, and snapping on a blue reservoir. The video demonstrates how to ensure the milk fills the nipple properly by tipping the bottle upside down and possibly squeezing out air. Feeding tips include positioning the baby and adjusting the nipple angle to control the milk flow, with advice on taking breaks if the flow is too fast. The importance of keeping feeding sessions around 20 minutes to prevent the baby from overworking and burning nutrients is highlighted. The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to contact for any questions or further assistance.

Keywords

💡Cleft lip

A cleft lip is a congenital condition where a baby’s upper lip doesn't fully form during pregnancy, leading to an opening or split. In the video, it is discussed in relation to how babies with this condition may face challenges with feeding, though some can breastfeed. The video focuses on addressing the specific feeding needs of babies with cleft lips.

💡Cleft palate

A cleft palate is when the roof of the mouth (palate) doesn't form completely, leaving an opening that can affect feeding. Babies with cleft palates may not be able to breastfeed because they cannot close the mouth properly from the nose. The video emphasizes the importance of using special bottles for babies with this condition.

💡Feeding challenges

Feeding challenges refer to difficulties babies with cleft lip or palate experience while eating. These challenges occur because the baby's mouth cannot properly seal to create suction, making traditional feeding methods hard. The video explains techniques and specialized bottles that can help overcome these issues.

💡Special bottles

Special bottles, such as the Medela Special Needs Feeder and Dr. Brown Specialty Feeding System, are designed to help babies with cleft conditions feed effectively. These bottles allow caregivers to control milk flow or allow the baby to manage it independently, as seen in the video demonstration.

💡Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the act of feeding a baby directly from the mother's breast. In this video, breastfeeding is discussed in the context of whether a baby with cleft lip or palate can breastfeed. While some babies with a cleft lip might be able to, those with a cleft palate typically need alternative methods.

💡Medela Special Needs Feeder

The Medela Special Needs Feeder is a bottle designed to help babies with cleft lip or palate. It allows the caregiver to manually control the milk flow by squeezing the nipple. The video describes how to assemble and use this bottle effectively to ensure the baby receives proper nutrition.

💡Dr. Brown Specialty Feeding System

This is another specialized feeding bottle mentioned in the video. Unlike the Medela bottle, the Dr. Brown system allows babies to control the flow of milk themselves without needing manual squeezes. The video explains its assembly and usage to help caregivers understand the best feeding practices for babies with cleft conditions.

💡Flow control

Flow control refers to the ability to manage how quickly milk flows from the bottle. In the video, this concept is crucial, as babies with cleft lip or palate may struggle with standard bottle nipples. Special bottles like the Medela allow caregivers to adjust the milk flow to suit the baby’s needs.

💡Pierrot Bend sequence

Pierrot Bend sequence (likely referring to Pierre Robin sequence) is a condition where a baby is born with a smaller lower jaw, a tongue that falls back, and sometimes a cleft palate. The video references this condition when explaining the need for special feeding techniques and bottles.

💡Nutritional needs

Nutritional needs refer to the necessary intake of nutrients required for healthy growth. In the context of the video, it emphasizes that despite feeding challenges due to cleft conditions, babies can still receive adequate nutrition by using special bottles or by pumping breast milk.

Highlights

Babies with cleft lip and palate have unique feeding needs.

Babies with cleft lip alone may be able to breastfeed.

Babies with cleft palate cannot physically close their mouth from the nose and should not breastfeed.

Doctors can advise on whether a baby with cleft can breastfeed.

Special bottles are necessary for babies who cannot breastfeed.

Pumping breast milk and using special bottles can still provide optimal nutrition.

Spectrum Health recommends specific bottles for babies with cleft lip or palate.

The Medela Special Needs Feeder or Haberman Feeder is one recommended bottle.

Flow of milk can be controlled by offering squeezes to the nipple.

Assembly instructions for the Medela Special Needs Feeder are provided.

The nipple's slit controls the flow rate, with different lines indicating flow speed.

Dr. Brown's Specialty Feeding System is another recommended bottle.

This bottle allows the baby to control the flow of milk without needing to be squeezed.

Assembly instructions for Dr. Brown's Specialty Feeding System are detailed.

Feedings should be kept around 20 minutes to prevent the baby from working too hard.

Contact information is provided for further assistance with feeding.

Transcripts

all of our babies are special and unique

individuals and each of our babies care

needs to be addressed individually

babies with cleft lip and palate

sometimes have trouble with feeding if

your baby has a cleft lip alone

they may very well be able to breastfeed

but if your baby has a cleft of the back

part of the palate your baby cannot

physically close the mouth from the nose

and should not be expected to breastfeed

your doctor will be able to tell you if

your baby will be able to breastfeed or

not your baby will need to use a special

bottle this video will teach you how to

use different types of bottles that are

very good at giving your child good

nutrition and remember if your baby

cannot breastfeed you can still give the

best nutrition by pumping breast milk

and feeding with these special bottles

having a baby with either cleft lip or

palate or pierrot Bend sequence can

bring up a lot of questions well we're

here to help you in any way we can in

this short video we hope to walk you

through the bottles and techniques that

will help you feed your baby first let's

talk about the type of bottles we use

here at Spectrum Health we believe these

are the best bottles for babies with

cleft lip or palate and pierrot been the

first bottle is the medulla special

needs feeder or Haberman feeder you can

control the flow of the milk by offering

squeezes to the nipple here is how you

assemble the bottle first place the

white membrane into the yellow disk be

sure the stud of the membrane goes

completely through the center hole of

the disc fill the base of the bottle

with breast milk or formula place the

nipple into the yellow collar of the

bottle place the assembled disc and

membrane into the base of the nipple and

collar be sure that the valve membrane

and the raised side of the disc are

facing the inside of the nipple place

the assembled nipple into the base of

the bottle and screw together to fill

the nipple hold the bottle upright and

squeeze the air out of the

people keep squeezing as you turn the

bottle upside down then release the

nipple and milk will fill the nipple

repeat this step one to two times until

the nipple is almost full the lines on

the side of the nipple show how open the

slit in the nipple is the slit controls

the flow rate the shortest line is no

flow medium line is medium flow and the

longest line is the fastest flow hold

the bottle with the collar resting in

the angle between your thumb and first

finger practice squeezing the milk into

your hand the sink or a basin before

feeding your baby so you become familiar

with the flow and how hard to squeeze a

gentle short squeeze is all you need now

you are ready to feed your baby position

your baby in an upright cradled or

side-lying position whatever is most

comfortable for you and your baby you

can use a pillow or a Boppy pillow on

your lap to help position your baby

sidelines place the nipple into the

baby's mouth with the shortest line

aligned with your baby's nose once your

baby begins to suck on the nipple give

the nipple a gentle squeeze when your

baby begins sucking on the nipple and

appears calm move the nipple so the

middle line is aligned with the baby's

nose as your baby sucks squeeze the

nipple every three to four sucks this

will allow your baby to swallow the milk

in between squeezes if this seems too

fast or too much milk is dripping out of

your baby's mouth or if your baby begins

coughing or choking don't squeeze the

nipple as often milk may trip from your

baby's nose due to the cleft palate

that's normal and you should not be

worried the next bottle I'd like to show

you is the dr. Brown specialty feeding

system your baby can control the flow of

the milk with this bottle you do not

need to squeeze this bottle this bottle

comes with a level one nipple or slow

newborn flow rate to assemble this

bottle first fill the bottle base with

breast milk or formula insert the blue

one-way valve into the nipple make sure

the valve is in tight and flush with the

nipple base insert the nipple

to the caller be sure the nipple is

fully pushed through the collar snap the

blue reservoir onto the off-white insert

place the reservoir into the bottle base

make sure the insert is making full

contact with the top of the bottle base

place the nipple collar loosely on the

bottle and screw into place tip the

bottle upside down and milk should begin

to fill the nipple you may need to

squeeze the air out of the nipple to get

the milk to fill it after positioning

your baby into an upright cradle or

side-lying position insert the nipple

into your baby's mouth when your baby

begins to suck the feeding should go

well if the milk seems to flow too fast

gently tip the nipple downward and

slowly remove the nipple from your

baby's mouth for a suck break this will

allow your baby to swallow the milk in

their mouth reinsert the nipple after

your baby takes a breath and begins to

root towards the nipple keep feedings

around 20 minutes increased feeding

times will cause your baby to work too

hard and burn all those nutrients and

calories they are taking in so that's it

if you have any questions please contact

us we are here to help you

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