RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of the three feeding techniques commonly used in authors' setup in improving the weight gain pattern of children with orofacial cleft. METHODS: A cohort prospective study was employed. A total sample of 150 infants at the age of 2 mo with cleft of both lip and palate were recruited and followed bimonthly until their first birthday to assess the pattern of weight gain. The subjects were categorized into three groups based on their habitual feeding techniques such 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. RESULTS: The mean weight of the Group I subjects was observed to be higher than the other two groups at every visit and was also found to be statistically significant at p < 0.001. Over all comparison proved that the weight gain of 1.364 ± 0.191, 1.348 ± 0.284 and 1.450 ± 0.205 and the velocity of weight gain, kg per week of 0.17 ± 0.023, 0.168 ± 0.035 and 0.181 ± 0.025 of Group I at 4, 6 and 8th mo respectively were significantly higher than the other two groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Of the three feeding techniques adopted by the mothers of infants with orofacial cleft, it was noted that paladai feeding was better than the bottle or spoon-feeding.
