You've probably seen or heard about babies being born with a small cleft in their upper lip. It's normal for parents to feel shocked, sad, and scared when they see this. "What happened to my baby?" "Can't this be fixed?" Many questions may come to mind. But don't worry, okay? This condition, which is called a cleft lip, is medically known as `(Cleft Lip)`. Today, we'll talk about this in detail, very simply. In a way that you can understand, it's like talking to a friend.
What exactly is a cleft lip?
Simply put, a cleft lip is a gap or split in the upper lip that occurs when a baby's face is developing in the womb. Think of it like a small gap in a garment if two rows of stitches don't line up properly . A baby's face usually forms during the first few weeks of pregnancy. During this time, the lips and upper palate of the mouth come together from both sides and come together in the middle. Sometimes this fusion doesn't happen completely. That's when a cleft lip occurs.
This cleft can be on only one side (that is, on the right or left side of the lip). Or it can be on both sides. While in some babies this is barely noticeable as a small crack in the lip, in other babies this cleft can extend all the way to the nose. Also, sometimes a cleft in the upper palate of the mouth can also occur along with the cleft lip. This is called a cleft palate. Both of these can occur together or separately.
Why does this happen to little ones? What are the reasons?
Many parents think, "We don't know if we did something wrong." Don't feel bad about it. Often, it's difficult to find a clear, single cause. But doctors believe that this condition can be caused by a combination of factors.
Genetic Factors
Sometimes this can be hereditary. That is, if someone in the family (mother, father, sibling) has a cleft lip, the other child is slightly more likely to have this condition. There are specific genes that affect it. But this is not common for everyone.
Environmental Factors during Pregnancy
Some things that happen during pregnancy can affect the baby's development.
- Certain medications: Some medications taken during pregnancy (for example, some medications for epilepsy) can affect this. Therefore, do not take any medication during pregnancy without medical advice.
- Smoking and alcohol use: If the mother smokes or drinks alcohol during pregnancy, it can affect the baby.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Not getting enough of a vitamin called folic acid, especially during early pregnancy, can also be a cause. This is why many doctors recommend folic acid pills to pregnant mothers.
- Some infections: Some viral infections that the mother contracts during pregnancy can also affect the baby.
- Diabetes Mellitus: Uncontrolled diabetes in the mother during pregnancy is also a risk factor.
The important thing is, most of the time, this is no one's fault. So don't blame yourself.
What are the main types of cleft lip?
As we talked about a little earlier, these lip cracks can come in one form or another.
- Unilateral Cleft Lip: This is when the cleft occurs on only one side of the upper lip, either the right or the left side.
- Bilateral Cleft Lip: Here, there is a cleft on both sides of the upper lip. A small section in the middle may appear to be separated.
- Incomplete Cleft Lip: There is a small crack or cut in the lip. The cleft does not extend all the way to the nose.
- Complete Cleft Lip: In this case, the cleft extends from the lip to the nostril.
- Cleft Lip with Cleft Palate: A significant number of babies with cleft lip also have a cleft palate. This can be unilateral, bilateral, complete, or incomplete.
How do doctors diagnose this condition?
Most of the time, a cleft lip is only diagnosed after the baby is born, because it's so obvious. But sometimes it can be detected even before that.
Can you tell during pregnancy?
Yes, in some cases it is possible. During routine scans (`(Ultrasound Scan)`) during pregnancy, especially during the `(Anomaly Scan)`, the doctor can see this kind of cleft on the baby's face. Knowing this in advance gives the parents time to research more about this and prepare themselves mentally. It also helps them choose the right hospital and specialist team for the delivery.
Identification at birth
As soon as the baby is born, the doctors examine the baby carefully. If there is a cleft lip, it will be clearly visible. The doctor or nurse will explain this to you right away. They will also examine the mouth to see if there is a cleft palate.
What challenges can a baby with a cleft lip face?
Babies born with a cleft lip face a number of challenges in the early stages, but with proper management and treatment, all of these can be overcome.
- Difficulty in breastfeeding: This is a major challenge. Especially if there is a cleft palate, it is difficult for the baby to create a proper suction with the mouth. As a result, milk can come out of the nose and go down the throat while breastfeeding. This requires the use of special milk bottles and proper positioning. The nursing staff and lactation consultants at the hospital will explain this to you well.
- Ear infections and hearing problems: There is a small tube that connects our ears to our throat, called the Eustachian Tube . In babies with a cleft palate, this tube does not function properly, which can cause fluid to build up in the middle ear and cause frequent ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss over time. Therefore, doctors may recommend regular ear exams and, if necessary, the insertion of a small tube (grommets) in the ear.
- Speech difficulties: If there is a cleft palate, not just in the lip, it can also affect the baby's ability to speak. When pronouncing words, a nasal sound may be heard (nasal speech). Speech therapy is very important for this.
- Dental problems: Cleft lip and palate can also affect the way teeth come in. Some teeth may be missing, crowded, crooked, or even missing. Therefore, it is important to have a dental check-up from a young age and, if necessary, receive orthodontic treatment .
- Social and psychological effects: As the child gets older, he may feel a little self-conscious about his appearance and the way he speaks. However, after surgery, his appearance will largely return to normal. Parents' love, encouragement, and, if necessary, psychiatric counseling can also help at this time.
What are the treatments for this? Can it be cured?
Yes, absolutely! Cleft lip is a condition that can be successfully treated and cured. It is mainly treated with surgery. Also, it is not something that only one doctor does. It takes a team of different specialists to plan the best treatment for the baby.
Surgery
- Lip repair surgery (Lip repair surgery / Cheiloplasty):
This is the first surgery performed. This surgery is usually performed when the baby is between 3 and 6 months old . Doctors check whether the baby is gaining enough weight and has a good blood count. This surgery is done to properly connect the cleft lip and give the lip a normal appearance and function. Imagine, a skilled surgeon beautifully joins the two lips together, just like drawing a picture.
- Palate repair surgery (Palatoplasty):
If a baby has a cleft palate, surgery to repair it is usually done between the ages of 9 and 18 months. This surgery is very important for both breastfeeding and speaking properly.
- Additional surgeries:
As some children grow, they may need one or more additional surgeries. For example, to correct the shape of the nose, correct the position of the teeth, or improve speech.
Support from a multidisciplinary team (Multidisciplinary Team Approach)
This is like a cricket team. Everyone needs support. This team usually includes specialists like:
- Pediatrician: Takes care of the baby's overall health.
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon: They mainly perform lip and palate surgeries.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: Possibly for surgeries related to the teeth and jaw.
- Orthodontist: Treats teeth and jaw problems.
- Speech therapist: Helps overcome speech difficulties.
- Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT Specialist): Treats ear infections and hearing problems.
- Audiologist: Tests the baby's hearing.
- Perhaps a psychologist or counselor: Provides psychological support to the child and parents.
All of these people work together to plan the best treatment for your baby. So you just have to trust them and follow their instructions carefully.
What can we do as parents?
Your contribution is also very important in this journey.
- Patience and love are the key. This may take some time, but your love and patience are a great strength for your baby.
- Follow the doctor's instructions exactly. Do everything the doctor tells you, like taking your medicine on time, caring for your wound after surgery, and breastfeeding. Go to every clinic on time.
- It is important to start treatment as soon as possible. The results are much better when the necessary treatment is started without delay.
- Help your baby. Your help is very valuable to your baby, especially when breastfeeding and learning to talk.
- Learn about this. The more you know about this condition, the more you can help your baby.
- Talk to other parents. Talking to other parents who have had similar experiences can help you feel like you're not alone. You can also learn a lot from them.
Finally, remember this (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so let's remind you of a few important things from what we've talked about.
- Cleft lip is a condition that is common among babies, but with the help of skilled doctors, it can be successfully treated and almost completely cured.
- By identifying this condition early and providing proper medical treatment (especially surgery) at the right time, your baby can live a healthy, active, and happy life like every other baby.
- You are not alone on this journey. There are a great many skilled, compassionate doctors and healthcare workers to help and guide you and your baby.
- So don't be afraid, take courage (strong strength) and stay positive. Your love and dedication are the baby's greatest strength.
If you want to know more about this or have any questions, don't be afraid to ask your pediatrician or plastic surgeon. They will help you.
` Cleft Lip, Multidisciplinary Medical Team, Surgery, Breastfeeding, Speech Therapy, Parenting Advice
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