Eating problems the first year

[jowsto1@flash.net]

My son is 6 months old (born 9/23/97)he has had his cleft lip
repaired. The palate will be repaired at 1 year due to the width
of it when he was born. I started him on solids at 4 months and
he was very eager to try, but each time he coughs a little, then
sneezes and the food comes through his nose and after a few
sneezes he gets fussy and is no longer interested in the current
feeding. I continue to try every day to get him to eat solids,
but I feel sorry for him each time he sneezes food through his
nose because I know this must be miserable for him (although he
should be somewhat use to it from the formula going through his
nose from time to time). I would like to know if anyone else has
had these problems and if it gets better after palate repair?
Does this mean he will be slow at starting solids? Please if you
have ANY comments let me know. THANK YOU!!!!!

[kelly deary]

my son was born with a cleft of the hard and soft pallate, he
has his gums but has no roof in his mouth when we asked about
feeding solids the doctor told us he would adjust. and he did.It
was very hard for us and him at first. Food came out his nose
almost as fast as we put it in.he would gag and cough, but we
kept trying a little at a time. he now eats smushed table food
(he is 8mnths)and cookies and most everything that we eat,and
does very well. some food still comes out of his nose, when he
sneazes, and when he is making a pig of himself,but he has taught
himself how to handle it I kmow it is hard for parents to
watch,but keep trying and i am sure your child will do the same.