My son is 18 mos. old and was born with cleft palate. After receiving surgery, he will not try and feed himself at all. Does anyone have any good tips?
Dear J.:
Let him be with other children his age and he will soon get the idea. Little boys have it in themselves to want to be like "one of the guys".
E.
My daughter will have her palate repaired in Dec. I'm having trouble getting her to use a sippy cup, they said she needs to be off the bottle before her surgery. She is 10 months old. Do u have any tips for me in that area?
I live in PA and we go to a place called the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic. They have a feeding sepcialist that might be able help. I'm not sure if you have a place similar in NJ or if you would be able to call and get some assistance:
Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic
223 North Lime Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: ###-###-####
I just had a thought of maybe offering something or some thingS he REALLY REALLY REALLY likes...he might not be able to resist it! Best of luck to your little guy.
p.s. O. mistake I made with my son---try not to worry too much about the mess--let him go to town when he does get into it!
***ADDED*** Ask your ped if he can get some OT for feeding.
Hi J.:
You need professional help. Your son is developmentally
delayed because of his health issues.
Be patient. Get help. Good luck. D.
My daughter's palate was repaired when she was 18 months old - if your son's was recently repaired he may still feel tender,etc. Just try sitting him in his high chair at meal time with his food and utensils and see what he does. He will watch you and you can show him and he will eventually pick it up - he still is young.
J., my daughter was slow to self feed b/c she's developmenatally delayed. We tried all kinds of foods but nothing motivated her to work hard to get it. One day we were at a party and she just picked a brownie up off my plate and started eating it.
It will come!
i havent had to deal with any situation like yours, but have you tried giving him a spoon or fork to use, and not just maing him use his hands? my 16month old loves to use utensils, i think because they see us do it. good luck
