|
|
The following
is a list of expectations for a child born with a cleft lip and
palate. Although each child is unique, this is intended to give
a general idea of what to expect:
- An infant
with cleft lip and palate usually must be bottle-fed (with breast
milk or formula) using special nipples.
- Soon after
birth and in preparation for surgery, the lip may need to be taped
to help reduce the width of the cleft.
- A hearing
test is recommended , and ventilating tubes are usually placed
in the ears at the time of lip surgery to reduce the risk of ear
infections. Ear infections are more common for a child with a
cleft palate.
- An eye examination
is usually recommended because associated eye anomalies are not
unusual.
- Lip surgery
will take place around 10 weeks of age (or 10 lbs).
- Lip surgery
takes about 2-3 hours and the infant usually remains in the hospital
one night.
- Palate surgery
will take place around 10 months of age or when a child begins
to make sounds of speech.
- Palate surgery
usually takes about 2-3 hours and the infant remains in the hospital
one or two nights.
- Orthodontic treatment
(braces) and/or alveolar bone grafting (filling the remaining
gap in the gum line) will usually be necessary. The first phase
of treatment is usually the widening of the upper jaw with an
orthodontic appliance when the permanent front teeth come in,
at about seven years of age. The bone grafting surgery is done
after the widening.
- We expect
normal speech after cleft palate repair. In some cases speech
therapy is necessary or a second palate surgery is needed.
- A child with
a cleft lip and palate may encounter social and emotional challenges
unique to this condition. Support organizations and resources
are available for children and their families (see Support
Information).
|
|
