Funding for Specialized Feeding Bottles

The outcome of a recent review of funding criteria now means that there is consistent funding for specialized feeding bottles for babies born with a cleft lip and/or palate across New Zealand. 

What does this mean?

For parents:

· If your baby requires a specialized feeding bottle as assessed by your Speech Language Therapist, they will now be funded.

· Your Speech Language Therapist will fill out the necessary paperwork, and you will have them delivered free to your home.

· Please look after the bottles carefully. They are expensive and if looked after will last much longer.  Forum: How to look after your bottles

 You will be able to utilize your Disability Allowance for another aspect of your child’s care.

For Speech Language Therapists:

· If you cover Auckland North, nothing has changed.

· For the rest of the country you can apply for this funding through Enable New Zealand. · Please contact them on 0800 171 995 or take a look at their website; www.enable.co.nz · Please develop a process within your unit that delivers a seamless service to families of cleft babies. Give Enable NZ a call and find out just how straight forward this will be.