What is Cleft Lip/Palate?
A cleft is a division or separation of parts of the lip, or roof of the mouth that did not close during the early months of fetal life. The lip and palate are present; they just did not fuse together. There are several types of cleft lip, from an incomplete cleft such as a notching of the lip, to a complete cleft, extending to the lip and nose. Cleft palate may also vary in size, which may include involvement of the uvula and the soft palate, to a complete cleft of the hard palate.
Why did this happen?
A Cleft lip and/or palate occurs in approximately 1/700 births. The exact cause of the cleft lip/palate is not known Cleft lip and/or palate usually occurs as an isolated finding and it is not usually associated with any other birth defect. In these cases the exact causes of the cleft lip and/or palate is unknown, but most experts feel it is due to both environmental and genetic factors. However, in some cases the cleft lip and/or palate may be caused by an underlying genetic condition or due to an exposure during pregnancy.
Many parents blame themselves and experience many guilt feelings. It is important to know that this is not anyone's fault. It is painful to know that your child has a cleft and you may feel that your dreams of a perfect child have been shattered, but letting go of guilt feelings is important to better help your baby.
What can be done about it and who will help us through this?
With proper treatment your child's cleft/lip palate can be repaired. With time your child will look normal, eat without difficulty, and speak like other children. This will all be possible through a craniofacial multidisciplinary team that will work with you and your child to develop and carry out a plan that will meet your child's needs. The team concept allows all relevant specialties to come together to plan your child's care and address issues (in a timely way). Surgical intervention is usually warranted for cleft lip and palate. For babies with cleft lip, this is usually done in the early months of life. A cleft palate is closed at a later time.
Special Concern
You may feel anxious about other peoples' reaction to your baby. Their reaction or expression of sympathy may make you angry. Most people's reactions arise from curiosity and lack of knowledge, not cruelty. Be straightforward and educate others. Let them know that your baby is normal and simply needs an operation to close the segments of the lip and mouth that did not fuse before delivery.
If you have further questions, please contact the Miami Children's Hospital Craniofacial Center at 305-662-8237 or toll free at 1-800-662-8502 or via email at craniofacialteam@mch.com
Additional Craniofacial Resources
Children's Craniofacial Association
Cleft Lip / Palate - Frequently Asked Questions
Meet the Craniofacial Team
Craniofacial Patient Success Stories
Craniofacial Related Links
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