The bond between a mother and her baby is deeply connected to nourishment and care in a child’s earliest days of life. But for mothers of children born with cleft conditions, feeding can be one of the hardest challenges they face — filled with uncertainty, heartbreak, and incredible strength.
At Operation Smile, we know that for many of the families we serve, the simple act of feeding a baby can become a matter of survival. That’s why we don’t just provide surgery; we stand beside mothers from day one, helping them nourish, nurture, and never give up hope.
The Hidden Struggle of Cleft Conditions
Infants born with cleft lip and cleft palate often have difficulty creating the suction needed to breastfeed. This can lead to poor feeding, rapid weight loss, and in many parts of the world, life-threatening malnutrition.
In fact, research shows that babies with cleft conditions are up to nine times more likely not to survive their first year of life, not because of the cleft alone, but because of the nutrition challenges that come with it.
That’s where our work begins.
Nourishing More Than Smiles
Before a child can receive surgery, they must be healthy enough for anesthesia. For babies facing feeding challenges, this can delay treatment for months. That’s why nutrition is a critical part of our comprehensive care model.
Through education, early feeding interventions, and hands-on support, we help mothers feed their babies safely, even when breastfeeding isn’t possible in the traditional way.
We teach mothers how to hand-express their milk, use specialized feeding bottles, or provide breastmilk through safe alternative methods. We work with them until their babies are gaining weight, building strength, and ready for surgery.
“I Thought I Couldn’t Feed My Baby”
One of our pediatric volunteers recalls working with a new mother who believed she couldn’t breastfeed her baby, born with a cleft palate. Her infant was underweight and struggling, and she was filled with fear and guilt.
But with gentle coaching, the right positioning, and support expressing her breastmilk, she watched her baby take in nourishment for the first time.
“Her joy was immeasurable,” the volunteer shared. “That moment reminded me that support doesn’t just save health, it restores dignity.”
You’re Part of the Solution
As a donor, your compassion is fuelling more than surgery. You’re ensuring that mothers in remote or underserved communities are not left to navigate feeding challenges alone.
You’re helping us train local health workers in breastfeeding support and safe infant feeding practices. You’re giving families the tools they need to survive, thrive, and look forward to a future filled with possibilities.
Every drop of breastmilk matters.
Every child deserves the chance to grow strong.
Every mother deserves to feel confident in caring for her baby.
How You Can Help
Spread Awareness: Share this story to raise awareness of the feeding challenges families face and how Operation Smile is helping.
Donate: Your gift helps fund nutrition programs that support moms and save lives.
Together, let’s nourish more than smiles. Let’s nourish life.
Because every baby deserves a healthy start.
Because no mother should feel alone.
Thank you for being part of our compassionate Canadian community, transforming lives around the world.
