Understanding cleft lip and palate
The birth of a baby with a cleft is often a difficult time for parents and family. This website provides information for parents about the types of cleft lip and palate and the different treatments that are available. It is possible to treat all the related aspects of the cleft. As result, the new baby, like any other child, should grow to be a healthy adult. A cleft of the lip and/or palate occurs in about one in 700 births. It occurs in all ethnic groups and in both boys and girls. Why does this condition occur? A baby’s face develops during the early stage of pregnancy at about 9 weeks. The upper lip is made up from three parts, as is the palate. When these parts do not join, clefts (gaps) are formed. There are no parts missing. There is still no proper explanation for the clefts forming, except when there is a family history of clefts. Often, the cause of the cleft is a mystery. However, the plastic surgeon might be able to give you some idea of why it happened to your baby.   How are parents’ feelings affected by the condition? Sometimes a cleft shows on a scan during pregnancy. If this is so then the parents will have the opportunity to know what to expect. However, whether parents know or not the birth of the baby is a stressful time. Parents are often unprepared for what to expect and the birth of a baby with a cleft will have an effect on the family and friends. Parents have many different reactions and feelings towards the baby with a cleft. These feelings can range from shock, distress and anger to disappointment and embarrassment. Parents often feel loss and sadness because this is not the baby they had hoped for, or they might feel guilty that they had done something wrong. Sometimes, parents are very hurt and find it hard to believe that this is their child. All these feelings, which are difficult for parents to have about their new baby, are very normal. It is often a good idea and helpful for parents to speak to a counsellor on the cleft team. The counsellor can help with:
However, the baby with a cleft will have to have a number of operations and might have hearing, speech and dental problems. This means having to visit the hospital many times and you can expect some visits to be stressful. It is important that you feel free to ask for advice and get support from a cleft team whenever you need to. REFERENCE: “A PARENTS' GUIDE TO THE TREATMENT OF CLEFT LIP AND PALATE” / "‘n OUER-HANDELING VIR DIE BEHANDELING VAN ‘n GESPLETE LIP ENVERHEMELTE" / ISIKHOKELO KUBAZALI NGONYANGO LOMLEBE OCANDEKILEYO NENKALAKAHLA EVULEKILEYO. © Haydn Bellardie 2006. | We had a tough time in the beginning learning
about cleft lip/palate babies. I felt embarrassed for the paediatrician who
told us as I thought he was speaking to the wrong mom, so funny! My first
reaction was to think that he had made a mistake! Heléna, Port Elizabeth When my 20
week scan came up, I was so excited and convinced that I was carrying a girl. When I got onto the bed and the sonar touched
my tummy, the first thing the doc said was, “Yip, it is a boy.” And then “Wait
a second”. Here we go, I thought, it is
a girl after all. The words that came out my gynaes mouth shocked me tremendously, and I will never forget them ….
“There is a facial abnormality”. My ears
shut. I walked out his rooms in a state, called my
closest friend and cried my heart out. I
called my brother who met me and like a little baby I cried on his shoulder
about my baby …. |