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Index
FEEDING EQUIPMENT FOR BABIES BORN WITH THE CLEFT CONDITION (Updated 1/8/04)
CHU CHU CLEFT PALATE TEATS:The Chu Chu Cleft palate teat is available in Australia again. Known as the "Easy Feed" it is now made of silicone instead of Isoprene Rubber. Stocks are held by CleftPALS Qld Inc Click here for detailed information sheet. PIGEON CLEFT PALATE TEATS:Pigeon cleft palate teats have two features which make them very different from normal teats. Firstly, they have a flat hard piece on the top of the teat itself. This is to be placed in the cleft area. They work very well with the unilateral and bilateral clefts. However limited success has been reported from babies with a soft palate cleft alone as they often induce too fast a flow of milk. Secondly, the teat is very soft. The slightest pressure elicits some milk. Most babies can obtain milk by pressing with their tongue. A valve is part of the teat which means no milk flows out unless some pressure is applied to the teat. Often our babies cannot get sufficient milk with their limited sucking capacity from a normal teat and so the need for a squeeze bottle. Yet, sucking is important for normal muscle development in the mouth, so speech will occur. The Pigeon Cleft Palate Teat combined with a squeeze bottle seems an excellent solution. NUK FEEDING SPOUTS, AVAILABLE IN THREE HOLE OR SLIT:The NUK Feeding Spouts are used for pre and post palate surgery. The three hole spout is suitable for a slow flow and the slit being a faster flow. These are similar to a training cup spout only they screw on to the Queensland Squeeze bottle. The spouts are available in a variety of colours, and come with their own hood. CARE OF YOUR BOTTLES AND TEATS:Clean your bottles and teats by washing then rinsing. Soak in cold water sterilising solution. Do not boil, do not microwave, the plastic and rubber will deteriorate. The safest way to warm the bottle is to stand in warm water FEEDING AFTER SURGERY:Prior to surgery, most Plastic Surgeons suggest that the baby becomes accustomed to an alternative method of feeding as they are not permitted to use a teat for a short period after surgery. The method varies from hospital to hospital, surgeon to surgeon. So it is best to contact your surgeon/hospital or your CleftPALS representative at least six weeks before surgery for advise on current procedures. Arm Splints (Updated 13/01/07)Prior to 31/3/04 our Arm Splints were hired out with a refund to CleftPALS when they were returned. As a result of outstanding hire accounts and splints not being returned a decision was made to start a production run on splints and to sell them with no return required.Price list · Small & Medium - $11.00 +Postage & Handling($11.00 if purchased direct from representative)· Large & Extra Large - $16.00 + Postage & Handling ($16.00 if purchased direct from representative)*Prices exclude GSTNote:These splints are not available outside of Australia due to insurance restrictions CleftPALS BookCleftPals has produced a book on personal stories written by some of our members. This is available for purchase at a cost of $5.00 plus postage and handling.
The book is of great assistance for any new parents, especially if they are questioning themselves and their feelings after the birth. After reading the stories and realising that there emotional feelings and guilt have been felt by others, it usually helps them feel more at ease. There are beautiful before and after colour photos which always help families cope when wondering how their child may look after surgery. | |||||||||
Send mail to cleftpal@powerup.com.au
with questions or comments about this web site.
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