Kruger, EsedraPillay, BhavaniSaloojee, AaliyahNaude, JustinePatrick, Kristen2026-03-232026-03-232026-052025http://hdl.handle.net/2263/109251Mini Dissertation (BA)--University of Pretoria, 2025.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.en©2025 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.Cleft lip and/or palateSpeech-language therapistsMaxillofacial surgeonsOtolaryngologists (ENTs)Lactation consultantsTechnical Report