Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties Associated with Cleft Lip and/or Palate
摘要
Feeding care for infants and children with clefts and craniofacial anomalies is critical to ensure appropriate nutritional intake, timely surgical intervention, and to support standard developmental trajectories. Feeding success for infants with clefts is often determined based on their anatomical structure and can be further impacted by the presence of syndromes, genetic diagnoses, or other medical conditions. The establishment of a feeding plan involves careful assessment, close and continued monitoring, and multiple specialists. Recommendations often include the use of specific feeding systems, positional changes, and other supportive strategies. Additional interventions may be required for infants demonstrating nutritional deficiencies. As changes occur throughout childhood, feeding training and modifications may be necessary to support expected developmental milestones. Due to the needed surgical interventions, it is important to adequately prepare the child and family for recovery and the anticipated feeding challenges. The education and training of the caregivers is essential to adhere to the feeding recommendations throughout infancy and childhood. A team of providers is key to ensure adequate growth and development for infants and children with craniofacial anomalies.