Russ’s antenatal diagnosis It had been a difficult six weeks. My father-in-law was in intensive care. There hadn’t been space to feel excited about being pregnant and we were emotionally drained. I thought we'd had the all clear at our 20 week scan when the sonographer told us we were having a … [Read more...] about Russell’s Breastfeeding Journey
Cleft
Breastfeeding a Cleft-affected Baby
A cleft lip or palate happens when the structures that form the baby’s upper lip or palate (roof of the mouth) don’t join together when a baby is developing in the womb. Cleft affects around 1 in 700 babies. Many babies who have a cleft lip are able to breastfeed, with adaptations. Babies who have a … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding a Cleft-affected Baby
Breastfeeding a Baby with a Cleft Palate
When my second son Oskar was born, I had been thinking that after difficulties establishing breastfeeding with my firstborn, it would be an easier journey this time. After a beautiful and quick birth, Oskar went straight for the breast but didn’t open his mouth well and couldn’t stay latched. My … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding a Baby with a Cleft Palate
Breastfeeding a baby with cleft lip and palate
When we found out that Isla would be born with a cleft lip and possibly palate, one of the first things we were told was that she would not be able to breastfeed. Breastfeeding my eldest daughter, Isabelle, two years before had not been straightforward – she had a posterior tongue tie and lost 16% … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding a baby with cleft lip and palate