Maternal perception of breastfeeding in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate: a qualitative research work

Abstract

BackgroundUnilateral cleft lip and / or palate (UCLP) is one of the most common congenital craniofacial abnormalities. The objective of this study was to describe maternal perception of breastfeeding in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate and to assess the role of breastfeeding counseling. MethodsQualitative descriptive method and phenomenological analysis were used to analyze the narratives. 28 mothers of patients with nonsyndromic UCLP treated with Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) between April 2015 and April 2017 were strategically selected and interviewed. Framework analysis was conducted for qualitative data. The CES University ethical committee approved the study. ResultsThe findings resulted in six main categories. First, contact with the CLP program, access to early diagnosis and timely treatment, perceptions of parents about health personnel on breastfeeding of CLP patients, perceptions of mothers toward breastfeeding, perception of advantages and disadvantages of the NAM technique regarding breastfeeding and assessment of the CLP program. ConclusionThe participants related difficulties with breastfeeding. Mothers acknowledged the clinical results when using the NAM obturator, as well as the support provided by the breastfeeding consultant.