Does your baby have a cleft lip or cleft palate? Don't worry, let's talk about it.

When your doctor tells you that your unborn baby or newborn has a cleft lip or palate, you may feel a sense of shock and fear. "Why did this happen to my baby?", "Can this be fixed?", "How can I feed my baby?", and so on. This is very normal. But don't worry, you are not alone. Let's be fully aware of this condition and face this journey together.

What is cleft lip and cleft palate?

Simply put, this is a condition that occurs at the time of birth. To be precise, this is a congenital abnormality. Don't worry, even though it's called a "defect", this is something that can be successfully corrected through surgery.

Think about it, during the first few weeks of a baby's development in the womb, the parts of the baby's face come together from both sides and come together in the middle. This is how the upper lip and the upper palate of the mouth are formed. If for some reason these tissues don't join together properly, a small gap, or cleft, is left there. That's what we call a cleft lip or cleft palate.

What is a cleft lip?

The upper lip develops between 4 and 7 weeks of pregnancy. If the tissue doesn't fuse properly at this time, a cleft lip develops. This is a gap in the upper lip. For some babies, this may look like a small line. For others, it may be a large gap that extends all the way to the nose. Sometimes, this cleft also affects the gums.

So what is cleft palate?

The roof of the mouth, or palate, develops between 6 and 9 weeks of pregnancy. If the tissues of the palate do not fuse properly during this time, a cleft palate occurs. This gap can be in the hard palate at the front or the soft palate at the back.

• It is possible to have only a cleft lip without a cleft palate.
• It is possible to have a cleft palate without a cleft lip.
• Cleft lip and cleft palate can occur together (this is what is most often seen).

Why did this happen to my baby? What are the reasons?

This question may be troubling you. To be honest, in most cases, there is no single cause . And there is nothing parents can do to prevent it. So don't worry about it. Scientists believe that this condition is caused by a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. This means that if someone in the family has this condition, there is a small chance that the baby will also have it.

Can this condition be detected early?

Yes, in most cases it is possible. Doctors can detect this type of cleft on the baby's face with an anomaly scan , or ultrasound, performed around 20 weeks of pregnancy. A cleft lip is clearly visible. However, if there is only a cleft palate without a cleft lip, it is a little more difficult to detect with a scan.

Even if the scan doesn't catch it, during the physical examination immediately after the baby is born, the doctor will examine the baby's mouth, nose, and palate to determine if this condition is present.

What other problems can the baby have?

This tear can cause the baby to face several challenges. Knowing these will be a great help to you.

• Feeding difficulties: Because there is a gap in the palate, milk can come up through the nose when the baby sucks. Also, since a proper suction cannot be created, both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding can be difficult.
• Hearing problems: Babies with a cleft palate may often have fluid build up in their middle ears. If left untreated, this can lead to hearing loss.
• Speech difficulties: Some babies may have difficulty pronouncing words clearly when speaking because their palate is not working properly. Their voice may sound nasal.
• Dental problems: If the fissure has also affected the gums where the teeth come in, the teeth may become missing, become loose, or come out in the wrong places.

How is it treated? Can this be cured?

Yes, it definitely is possible! The main treatment is surgery . This surgery is performed under general anesthesia so that the baby doesn't feel anything.

Cleft Lip Repair

This surgery is usually done when the baby is between 3 and 6 months old . It involves sewing the gap in the lip closed. Sometimes, simple methods such as lip-taping can be used to bring the lips together before the surgery. A small pink scar will remain after the surgery, but this will fade as the baby grows.

Cleft Palate Repair

Cleft palate surgery is usually performed when a baby is around 12 months old . The surgery aims to close the cleft palate to help with eating, drinking, and speaking. Ear tubes are often inserted during the surgery to prevent fluid from accumulating in the ears.

After these major surgeries, more surgeries may be needed as the baby grows.

• To develop speaking skills: Around the age of 5.
• To prepare the gums: A bone graft may be needed when permanent teeth begin to appear, between the ages of 6 and 10.
• To beautify the appearance of the face and the shape of the nose: During youth.

The medical team that helps you and your baby

You are not alone on this journey. There is a team of doctors and health professionals from various fields who are experts in helping you and your baby.

Can I breastfeed my baby? A question that many mothers have.

This is a very important question. Yes, some babies can be breastfed , but it requires special support and guidance.

A baby sucks breast milk by creating a vacuum (suction) inside the mouth. When there is a gap in the palate, it is difficult to create this vacuum. Therefore, the baby cannot suck milk properly.

• Babies with only a cleft lip can often breastfeed successfully.
• Babies with only a small gap behind the back of the head may also be able to do this.
• It is very difficult for babies with a large cleft palate, or with both a cleft lip and palate, to breastfeed.

At times like this, the baby works very hard trying to suckle, but doesn't get enough milk to fill his stomach.

What am I doing?

Don't worry. The best thing you can do is meet with a lactation consultant at the hospital. He or she will help you with these things:

• Find the breastfeeding position that best suits your baby.
• Express your milk and teach your baby to feed it with a special bottle, cup, spoon, or syringe.
• There are special bottles made just for babies like this. I'll show you what they are.
• Monitor whether the baby is gaining weight properly.