Feeding & Nutrition

Feeding & Nutrition Programs

Babies with clefts have the same nutritional needs as their peers without clefts. Yet they are at risk of poor feeding because the cleft in their lip and/or palate can interfere with their ability to feed effectively — especially by making it difficult to create suction. This can compromise breastfeeding and lead to inadequate intake if families are not supported.

Timely, skilled feeding support is essential to help families provide optimal nutrition, protect breastfeeding, and ensure their babies grow and thrive.

Smile Train is committed to integrating nutrition support from the very start of cleft care. We partner with local cleft teams to deliver comprehensive nutrition programs that empower caregivers, strengthen feeding practices, and ensure babies receive the care they need for healthy development.

Our programs help fund the provision of feeding and nutrition care by trained specialists, support the local purchase of essential supplies — including feeding tools and nutrition supplements — and enable consistent follow-up by assisting with travel and communication for families.

Our Five-Year Commitment

On September 22, 2021, Smile Train officially announced our five-year commitment to scaling our investment in global nutrition. By the end of 2026, through awareness campaigns, advocacy, program expansion, partnerships, training, and health worker education, Smile Train’s increased investment in nutrition will result in:

1. More than one million mothers and children benefiting from cleft-specific feeding counseling
2. More than 55,000 child malnutrition cases averted
3. 40,000+ educational opportunities on cleft feeding and nutrition
4. More than 1,000 partner hospitals across 70+ countries empowered to offer nutrition services to every cleft-affected mother and child pair
5. An organized network of more than 250 partner hospitals offering advanced nutritional care for malnourished children with clefts
6. A 40% reduction of the number of stunted children undergoing cleft surgery 

When it comes to nutrition, protecting the health of communities, and securing the future of children around the world, we can’t delay. You can find more information and resources around cleft nutrition below. Interested in joining us in our commitment? Email: nutrition@smiletrain.org

Breastfeeding a Baby with a Cleft

Many babies with clefts can breastfeed, especially with early support. This video offers practical tips to help mothers position and latch their babies effectively, protect their milk supply, and stay confident. It also explains how to express breast milk by hand to support milk production and enable cup feeding when needed.

Cup Feeding for Babies with Clefts

When direct breastfeeding isn’t possible right away, cup feeding is a safe and effective method to ensure babies receive breast milk. This video shows how to use a cup to feed safely, while supporting bonding and good nutrition.

Breastfeeding Positions to Improve Latching

This video demonstrates breastfeeding positions that can help babies with clefts latch more effectively. Adjusting the breastfeeding position can sometimes make a significant difference in improving latching and ensuring better milk transfer.