Beyond the Bottle: Interdisciplinary Cleft Feeding Care

Abstract

Purpose The importance of individualized and comprehensive pediatric feeding management is well recognized. This type of care is especially important for children with complex medical diagnoses, such as craniofacial anomalies. While feeding therapists are often key to improving feeding outcomes, other essential members are required to comprehensively provide for the unique needs of these infants. Described here is an example of the structure and function of an interdisciplinary cleft feeding team, which serves patients throughout their infancy and childhood. The role of each member is discussed as well as how each provider works in conjunction with others. Communication and collaboration between these specialists is of utmost importance to care for both the infant and family. It is important for speech-language pathologists to recognize the feeding needs of children with cleft lip and/or palate and be aware of the roles of various team members on cleft feeding teams available to address any feeding challenges that may arise. Conclusions A comprehensive team is often necessary to meet the feeding needs of children with cleft lip and/or palate and their families. This team works collaboratively together to develop appropriate feeding plans through infancy and childhood.