Cleft Palate Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cleft Palate, including details on causes, surgery, treatment.

Neonatal care of infants with cleft lip and/or palate: feeding orientation and evolution of weight gain in a nonspecialized Brazilian hospital.

Amstalden-Mendes LG, Magna LA, Gil-da-Silva-Lopes VL

Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To survey the feeding orientation received during the postnatal period by the parents of cleft babies, as well as the location where they receive the orientation; to identify resources used in feeding; and to assess the correlation of the child's weight with the surgical procedure schedule. DESIGN: During consultation for diagnosis and genetic counseling in a general tertiary hospital, 26 parents of cleft babies born in different hospitals were interviewed based on a semistructured protocol and spontaneous reports. RESULTS: Cleft palate was present in 42.31% (11/26), cleft lip/palate in 50% (13/26), and cleft lip in 7.69% (2/26) of the cases. Feeding orientation was given in maternities to 72% (18/25) and in specific rehabilitation centers to 24% (6/ 25) of the parents. Breast-feeding was encouraged in every case. Nevertheless, other feeding resources were necessary, especially bottles. Surgical procedure delays caused by poor weight gain occurred in 66.7% (12/18). CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal feeding orientation was not systematically given in every case. Because it is an important way to achieve an effective weight gain, educational programs for nonspecialized health professionals, as well as regular pediatric follow-up and specialized multi-professional teams, could improve nutritional intake and could move the schedule for surgical procedures forward. The results also suggest that specific neonatal health care for cleft babies should be part of health policy.

Published 4 May 2007 in Cleft Palate Craniofac J, 44(3): 329-34.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Cleft Palate Research Today. All Rights Reserved.