What are the possibilities of breastfeeding support after early cleft lip repair in the Baby-Friendly Hospital?
Abstract
Aim of study: The goal of early repair of facial cleft defects is to enable optimal development of the following: speech, hearing, suction and facial look. Early operation (repair within first 14 days of life) brings easier wound healing and faster improvement of facial deformity without increase of the risk of complications.
Early surgery may influence breastfeeding. There is limited information available, regarding breastfeeding rates after early cleft repair.
The aim of the study was to assess breastfeeding rates in newborns with cleft lip (CL) and newborns with cleft lip and palate (CLP) after early repair. Assessment was done in Baby Friendly Hospital (BFH).
Methods: We performed retrospective observational cohort study. Included infants were term and near term newborns with cleft lip or lip and palate operated on within first 14 days of life.
Breastfeeding techniques education was controlled by the team consisted of lactation specialists, nurses and pediatricians in Thomayer Hospital Prague. Results: Included were 104 neonates.
Isolated cleft lip (CL) was present in 56 newborns (54%), cleft lip and palate (CLP) in 48 (46%). In CL group, 44 newborns (78.5%) were breastfed 3 (5.5%) fed with breast milk via bottle, 9 (16%) formula fed on discharge.
In CLP group, 3 newborns (6%) were breastfed, (65%) neonates were fed with maternal breast milk. Conclusion: The rate of breastfeeding in patients after early repair of the cleft lip was high and comparable with population of healthy newborns.
Breastfeeding rate in patients with cleft lip and palate after early repair of cleft lip was low even after breastfeeding support in Baby Friendly Hospital.