The Ill or Special Needs Child and Breastfeeding

It isn’t always about nutrition!

Unfortunately, not every child is born healthy. Some will have genetic mutations; others may need surgery early in their life. Some are not destined to survive. Most of these children will benefit from receiving breastmilk.

Children born with the chromosomal error that results in Down’s syndrome need breastmilk especially. They typically will have large tongues and low body tone. This will make latching and maintaining a good seal more difficult. Mom can be taught a way to support her feeding, or the mom can pump her milk and feed it to the baby via a bottle. About half of babies are born with congenital heart conditions. Another issue is that they are at increased risk of infections. Therefore, it is very important that, if able, babies with Down’s Syndrome receive some breastmilk.

Breast milk will boost the infant’s immunity and enhance brain development to its greatest potential. Babies born with a cleft lip or palate also need breastmilk. Although the baby who has cleft palate will probably not be able to latch due to pressure issues within the oral cavity, the baby can usually bottle-feed with a specialized bottle. The Haberman feeder model is one such bottle.

The baby with a cleft lip can usually nurse, as the breast tissue is soft enough to shape into the cleft. A little creativity with positioning is all it takes sometimes.