When can an infant breastfeed after cleft lip repair?

Breastfeeding after a cleft lip repair is generally permitted and encouraged because it provides essential nutrition and promotes bonding between the mother and infant. After the surgery, it's important that the surgical site heals properly. Thus, the correct approach is to wait for a specific period, during which the healthcare provider can assess healing and provide guidance.

Immediately after the surgery, there may be concerns regarding the infant’s ability to latch or cause stress to the surgical area, which makes waiting for medical clearance an essential part of the process. This clearance ensures that breastfeeding can be initiated safely without jeopardizing the surgical repair or the infant's well-being.

The options that suggest waiting a week or stating that breastfeeding is not allowed do not reflect the typical recovery guidelines. Instead, medical professionals play a key role in assessing when it is appropriate for an infant to begin breastfeeding again, prioritizing both healing and safety.