Feeding a baby should feel natural. But for thousands of families, it starts with a struggle.

Babies born with cleft lip and palate often face serious challenges with something as fundamental as feeding—not because they lack appetite, but because their bodies aren’t yet equipped to feed in typical ways. And when feeding is hard, so is gaining weight, recovering from surgery, and getting the nutrients needed to grow.

In this episode, we focus on a critical but under-discussed issue: nutrition in cleft care.

Joining us is Deepalakshmi Sriram, Partner Nutritionist with Smile Train India. She works closely with families and healthcare providers to ensure that cleft-affected babies are not just fed—but nourished.

We explore:
• What cleft lip and palate are—and how early they’re diagnosed
• Why feeding can be a major hurdle in cleft-affected infants
• How nutrition impacts healing, growth, and early development
• Practical tips for introducing solids and tracking nutrient intake
• What every parent should know when caring for a baby with cleft

This episode is essential listening for new parents, caregivers, and health workers supporting children with cleft conditions—and a reminder that feeding is not just a task, it’s the foundation of recovery and thriving.

About Nutrition Every Day: It is a special podcast series by The Good Sight and Rise Against Hunger India, bringing sharp, grounded insights on health and nutrition.

For feedback or to participate, write to us at ⁠⁠⁠contact@thegoodsight.org⁠

Credits

Host: Shreya M

Research: Alisha C

Show Artwork: Rajnikant S

Produced by: The Good Sight

Concept: The Good Sight & Rise Against Hunger India