Cleft team members' views on breastfeeding of infants with cleft lip and/or palate

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding of infants with cleft lip and/or palate is a constantly evolving area of research with varying opinions, beliefs and practices. Local CL/P team members' views on this topic are yet to be explored . Aim: This study aimed to investigate South African cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) team members’ views on breastfeeding of infants with CL/P. Setting: A South African electronic survey study created and distributed using Qualtrics XM Software Methods: An electronic survey was distributed via QualtricsXM rendering mostly quantitative data. Permission was granted before posting an infographic on social media and networking sites. Stratified, non-probability sampling methods were used to recruit qualified healthcare professionals working with infants with CL/P. Eighteen South African CL/P team members across different disciplines, from four provinces, responded. Data were analysed descriptively . Results: Eighteen participants (100%) viewed anatomical limitations associated with the type and extent of the CL/P as the main barrier to breastfeeding for infants under their care. Many participants (n=16) recommend breastfeeding as the desired outcome for infants with CL/P; however, it is not attempted due to knowledge or systemic limitations. Although infants’ health is the main priority for team members, most professionals report a lack of adaptive breastfeeding support for mothers of infants with CL/P (n=13; 76.5%). Conclusion: South African CL/P team members perceive breastfeeding as an important but challenging feeding option. Breastfeeding outcomes are often dependent on a combination of the individual infant’s physiology, healthcare context, and maternal motivation as decision-making variables. Contribution: The findings of this study emphasise the multifactorial nature of breastfeeding challenges in infants with CL/P and highlight the need for consistent, team-based approaches by medical and allied healthcare professionals.