Cleft Palate Surgery

[villegas@lava.net]

My 12 1/2 month old son had surgery 3 days ago to close the
palate area. The doctor put gauze packing over the surgery area
and some type of shield, possibly made of a light plastic to
protect the area. He sent us home the same day the surgery was
performed. My son drank 6 ounces of milk in the recovery room and
he seemed fine with the bottle. As soon as we got home and tried
again to feed him with the bottle, he absolutely positively
throws a major fit and cries and cries while we try to feed him.
We use a Habermann nipple. He eats other solid foods with little
or no fuss. But I know that he needs to have fluids, especially
his milk. We have been force feeding him, and it is a very
stressful situation with his screaming. We don't even insert the
nipple of the bottle in his mouth. We just squeeze the milk in
his mouth because he won't tolerate the nipple. It is going to be
another 5 days before the doctor takes out the shield and the
packing. Has anyone encountered anything like this before? I am
confused with why this is happening.

[Christal Cullymore]

This "rejection" is perfectly normal. It usually
lasts about a week. Don't get too upset. Your little one will
soon be eating again and even better than before!