Abstract
The objective of this article was to determine the impact of different bottles and teats for feeding
babies with a cleft palate (with and without a cleft lip) on weight velocity, feeding behaviour, and
maternal self-esteem. A mixed methods study incorporating the use of diaries to record feeding
patterns of babies and levels of professional support received was used. Growth was assessed
by converting weights into standard deviation scores and using the differences to express weight
velocity over a six-week period. Visual analogue scales were used to assess mothers’ perceptions
of their children and themselves. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) was used to
identify maternal depression. The study demonstrated that the most significant effect on weight
was determined by cleft type. Babies with isolated clefts of the hard and soft palate experienced
greater feeding problems and suffered the biggest weight losses. This remained significant independently
of the type of bottle/teat used. Poor weight gain was also associated with a mother’s low
perception of herself and her child, and her tendency towards depression. The study highlights the
importance of the early assessment of babies’ feeding skills and regular follow-up and support from
trained and experienced nurse specialists.