Delivery of a Feeding Obturator in a New Born Child: A Case Report

Abstract

Obturators are custom made plastic material that is made to fit the precise contour of the hard and the soft palate that extends onwards to seal off the mouth from the nasal cavity. Fabricated by an orthodontist or a prosthodontist, it requires frequent replacements as the baby grows and preferably given at 2-3 days after birth. Breastfeeding in a cleft baby is difficult although there are a few compromised techniques that are employed such as breastfeeding positions, compression technique, supplementer usage, and nipple shield alone or in combination. Once the obturator is delivered the child stops regurgitation or vomiting as the lining of the nasal cavity is protected. Breastfeeding is very essential as it also facilitates the proper development of jawbones and facial muscles and in order to do that feeding of a child since day one of birth is a very important pre-requisite that can be achieved by delivering an efficient palatal obturator.