Episode 79: Cleft Babies & Breastfeeding

In today’s episode, Jacqueline is joined by Alyssa Messick. A mom of two on her journey of integrating cleft with breastfeeding. Alyssa shares her story about trying to feed her newborn babies while being a new mom and trying to keep her mental health stable.

This is a great episode for any mama with a cleft baby, or expecting a cleft baby. This is definitely a unique challenge and a lot of women wonder how they can combine that journey with breastfeeding. This is also an amazing story of perseverance, and one determined mama.

In today’s show, we discuss:

• Types of clefts that Alyssa’s children were diagnosed with
• How Alyssa mentally dealt with the diagnoses
• Both of Alyssa’s birth stories and beyond
• Pumping for her first child
• Breastfeeding her second child
• How Alyssa supports women today

A Glance at This Episode:

• [1:16] Alyssa shares how she found out her children were cleft and how she dealt with the diagnosis
• [4:23] Types of clefts that Alyssa’s kids were diagnosed with
• [5:15] Alyssa’s birth plan with her 2nd son after knowing the diagnosis, and during the first month of feeding
• [12:29] Alyssa talks about her support system
• [14:03] Alyssa’s son is readmitted to the hospital for the second time
• [21:56] How Alyssa balances work amongst the hospital stays and surgeries
• [23:50] Transitioning from the hospital back home
• [27:27] Alyssa shares her second experience with her next baby also being diagnosed with cleft
• [34:34[ Alyssa’s breastfeeding journey with her second
• [38:04] Breastfeeding after the newborn stage
• [39:30] How Alyssa is supporting other cleft moms
• [43:02] How Alyssa weaned her son and when

Related Links:

• Alyssa’s Instagram
• Holistic Lactation Website
• Follow us on Instagram

• ? If you are truly struggling with breastmilk production, check out our Advanced Lactation Formula supplement or consider booking a Low Milk Supply Consultation or Pumping Consultation with us
• ? Looking for more trusted knowledge and a deep dive on how to know what’s what with breastfeeding and how to overcome problems? Check out our support community The Nurture Collective®