If an infant is safe for oral breastfeeding, what is an important intervention for the mother before discharge?

The optimal choice is to provide contact information for cleft care support, especially if there is any concern about feeding difficulties associated with a cleft lip or palate condition. Cleft lip and/or palate can significantly impact an infant's ability to breastfeed effectively, requiring specialized support and strategies for successful feeding. This involves education on potential challenges and resources available for addressing them.

While introducing external pacing during feedings, incorporating adaptive seating, and completing education on feeding interactions are important considerations in the broader context of infant feeding and mother-infant interactions, they aren't as critical to prepare for discharge if the primary focus is on addressing specific conditions such as a cleft. The provision of contact information for cleft care ensures that the mother has access to ongoing support and information necessary to navigate any feeding challenges that may arise in the future, thereby emphasizing the importance of continuity of care in the context of breastfeeding support. This approach empowers the mother and promotes successful feeding practices post-discharge.