Index

• Feeding Equipment

• Post Operative Arm Splints
• CleftPALS Book

To order feeding equipment:  

Please contact Rachael McGuren

Tel:    1300 362 056 

Fax:   07 3293 2527

email  rachael.mcguren@bigpond.com

FEEDING EQUIPMENT FOR BABIES BORN WITH THE CLEFT CONDITION    

CHU CHU CLEFT PALATE TEATS:

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. 

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.

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Post Operative Arm Splints  

These are a must for post operative care to prevent the child from interfering with the mouth.

Made from flannelette with toy wadding for padding, silicone insert ribs for strengthening and Velcro for fastening.

Click here for arm measurement requirements diagram when ordering splints.

Click Here for Arm Splint Prices as at 4 February, 2012

To order Arm Splints:  

Please contact Wendy

(with arm measurements and where possible at least 2 weeks prior to surgery date)

Tel:    07 3204 6866 and leave contact details.

Note: Arm splints are not available outside of Australia due to insurance restrictions

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CleftPALS Book

CleftPals has produced a book on personal stories written by some of our members. This is now available for purchase at a cost of $5.00 plus postage and handling.

(Click to Enlarge)

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.

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Send mail to cleftpal@powerup.com.au with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: October 24, 2011