Craniofacial Center

Two women were told during their pregnancy that their babies had a cleft lip and cleft palate. Amanda was given this diagnosis early in her pregnancy whereas Jennifer was already in late pregnancy. Amanda and Jennifer discuss how they, their spouses, and families reacted to knowing about the cleft condition. They also talk about their next steps that led them to Cincinnati Children’s for further support and counseling. 

• Finding out a cleft condition exists 
• Informing your spouse 
• Initial reactions 
• Coming to Cincinnati Children's 
• Cleft lip and palate information on Cincinnati Children's website 
• Reaction after birth 
• Reaction to cleft lip repair 
• Why Cincinnati Children's? 

The following web resources can provide more information and support for you and your family as you manage your child’s craniofacial malformation:

Cleft Advocate − an organization that helps to educate, inspire and empower families whose lives are touched by cleft lip and palate or other craniofacial anomalies

Cleft Palate Foundation − a nonprofit organization dedicated to optimizing the quality of life for individuals affected by facial birth defects

Ohio Department of Health 

The Smile Train − an international children’s charity dedicated to helping the millions of children in the world who suffer from cleft lip and palate

The Speech Pathology Division at Cincinnati Children’s recommends the following book for further information about clefts, velopharyngeal dysfunction and team care:

• Kummer, AW. (2008). Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies: Effects on Speech and Resonance, 2nd Edition. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning.