Feeding FAQs

How much should my baby eat? 
It is challenging to say exactly how much your child should be drinking at a given time, as this can vary based on the baby’s age and the type of milk they are drinking. It is  important to make sure that your baby is getting enough milk — both per feeding and over a full 24 hours. Offering slightly more milk in the bottle than you expect your infant to drink can also be helpful to determine if more milk is needed. 

Your child’s medical provider or team should be able to guide you on volume and frequency goals that are right for your baby. This is often guided based on how the child is growing. Therefore, close monitoring of the infant’s weight is particularly helpful in early infancy.

How long should a feeding take? 
A feeding session should last around 30 minutes or less, with your baby showing a coordinated pattern of sucking, swallowing, and breathing. You should notice signs of comfort — like quiet alertness, hands at midline, calm body movements, and regular breathing. If your child takes longer than 30 minutes to feed, it may mean they are working too hard to feed. Please reach out to your team if this is consistently observed.

I see milk coming out of my baby’s nose. What should I do? 
Some nasal regurgitation, or liquid/food coming out of the nose, is common, but it isn’t harmful and usually improves with practice. It does not mean your baby is choking. Sneezing is a natural reflex that may occur. There is no need for special tools like a syringe to clear the nose. 

In order to decrease this, there are a few strategies you can attempt. If this occurs when drinking from the bottle, please attempt to feed your baby in a slightly more upright position. If it is noted with eating, provide slightly smaller amounts of the food. Offering a sip of water or milk from a cup can also help clear any remaining food. It is also frequently noted when the child spits up as well. 

Does my baby have acid reflux?
Reflux occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus. Reflux can cause vomiting, spitting up, coughing, or changes in sleeping habits. Reflux is different from nasal regurgitation. If you are concerned that your baby might have refluxbe sure to contact their primary care provider, who can help with diagnosis and treatment.

What if I notice my baby seems uncomfortable during feeding or feeding doesn’t feel like it’s going well?
Your observations during feeding are very important. If your baby seems uncomfortable, stressed, or unhappy while feeding, or if feeding feels challenging, trust your instincts. Sometimes feeding difficulties can be related to things other than the cleft. Please share your concerns with your cleft team. They are there to listen, evaluate what may be happening, and provide specific recommendations to support your baby’s feeding plan.

What if I want to provide breast milk?
When a baby is born with a cleft palate, direct breastfeeding is usually not possible, because they’re unable to create the suction needed to draw milk from the breast. While your baby may look like they’re sucking, they may not actually be getting any milk. This can lead to frustration, exhaustion, and lost calories. We know this may be deeply disappointing.

Even if direct breastfeeding isn’t possible, you can pump and offer breast milk using a specialized bottle. Your baby will still receive the same nutritional benefits, and it can be a wonderful way to nourish and connect with your child. Please discuss this desire with your team so they are able to support you in acquiring a breast pump and establishing an appropriate pumping schedule. To maximize your milk supply, try pumping every time your baby feeds. Remember that even if you can’t exclusively provide breast milk, any amount is beneficial. 

If your baby is born with a cleft of the lip only, breastfeeding may be possible with little to no modification. Sometimes assistance from a lactation consultant can be helpful to determine proper positioning and any other needed feeding strategies.

This just isn’t what I expected…
We completely understand- and you are allowed to feel all of the feelings you have right now and in the future. They are all completely normal and valid.

Having a new baby is a life-changing experience and it can be overwhelming for anyone – even for parents of children born without a cleft. We want you to know that we have ACPA approved teams that are here to help and support you on this journey.

Feeding, especially, can be a major source of stress in the first year of life. Many parents expect that feeding will just happen naturally and be a calm, bonding time with their infant. So, when things don’t go as planned — especially if breastfeeding isn’t possible — it can feel very disappointing. It can take some time and support from your team, but our goal will be to find a feeding plan that allows you to have closeness and connection with your baby.

Please remember that having a new baby can be a challenge and you may feel a lot of responsibility as you navigate this change. Please remember to ask for help from your partner, family, and friends. You can also ask for assistance from your child’s cleft team- they are there for you and your baby- and can offer the support and resources you need to thrive.