IMPACT OF VARIOUS FEEDING TECHINIQUES ADOPTED ON THE GROWTH PATTERN OF CHILDREN WITH OROFACIAL CLEFT

Abstract

Children with orofacial cleft have feeding problems and do not gain weight adequately and their growth and development is affected No single feeding technique has been identified as the best for these children Hence this study was done to compare the efficacy of the three feeding techniques commonly used in our setup in improving the nutritional status of children with orofacial cleft A cohort prospective study was employed A total sample of 150 infants at the age of two months with cleft of both lip and palate were recruited and followed bi monthly until eighth month of life to assess the anthropometric measurements and nutrient intake The subjects were categorized into three groups based on their habitual feeding techniques as Group I Paladai fed Group II Bottle fed and Group III Spoon fed with 50 subjects in each group The three groups were counseled on nutritional aspects correct infant positioning and hygienic practices