Helping new mums breastfeed babies born with a cleft palate
Thanks to donors like you, we’ve funded six brand new Medela Electric Breast Pumps for babies and parents being cared for at the Trent Regional Clef Network.
For babies born with cleft lips or palates, it can be really tricky to establish breastfeeding, as it can be a struggle to latch.
With this equipment, new mums can still feed their babies with breastmilk safely via a cup, spoon, or specially-designed bottle, while they stay with us at NUH.
We gave a grant of £5,800 to fund this equipment – and this wouldn’t be possible without your support.
These pumps will help hundreds of babies in Nottinghamshire and the surrounding areas, who are treated at Nottingham City Hospital.
Stephen Henaghan, NHS Oncology Specialty General Manager at NUH, said:
“Breast pumps for the service are vital in supporting new families in feeding their baby breast milk as direct breast feeding is not an option due to the anatomical impact of the cleft.
“The advantages of breast milk are well documented and for these infants to benefit from these advantages, an electric double breast pump is needed for mothers to express their breast milk.
“This can be particularly challenging when a baby cannot directly attach and breast feed, the added time and pressure to produce sufficient volumes for baby is an emotional and physical strain on families.
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