Teen Moms Breastfeeding

I'm not a teen mom, but just cruised by this board as I saw it was a new one. Anyway, I don't have experience with a cleft palate, but I did have problems breastfeeding at first with my son. Don't give up!

O.k., here is a few wacky things that I did. I don't know what would work in your case..... I had to use breast nipples (they are little plastic thingies that go over your nipple) to help with suction at first. Some consultants say not to use them, so if you are using a lactation consultant you might want to check with her first. Anyway, they helped me get my groove going. I really didn't want my son to get used to the bottle until we had the breastfeeding down, so I got a syringe (sp?) from the hospital that connects to a small tube. I would either finger feed, or run the tube through the plastic nipple so my son would "feel" like he was breastfeeding and to get my hormones going for doing it. We were to regular nipple only in a month. I don't know if that is an option for you, but something like that might help you feel as if you were breastfeeding to get your groove going. Until my milk was going, I ran formula through the tube and through the plastic nipple.

I had problems pumping too. I did have to rent the hospital one, and it was MUCH better than the pump that I had bought. It really made all the difference in the world to me. I also had to really relax when I did it at first, and be in a quiet place. It also really helped me to keep something of my sons there, like used jammies or a blanket that had his smell on it.

Anyway----so many good wishes and thoughts to you. I had an aunt that was born with (sounds like) the exact same thing as your baby. She is just fine today, and imagine what they are going to be able to do these days for your baby. Hugs, Shannon