Giving birth to a baby with a cleft can have a profound psychological impact on the child’s parents. It is common for parents to feel guilty, angry, shocked, helpless or disappointed.
It is important to realise that, in most cases, a cleft cannot be prevented and that you are not to blame. Some parents may worry that they will be unable to bond with a child who has a cleft, but there is no evidence this is the case.
Your cleft care team will be used to supporting parents during the difficult time that can follow the birth of a baby with a cleft. Take this opportunity to express any concerns and worries that you have and ask as many questions as you want.
Some parents find that learning as much as they can about the condition helps them to cope better. Also, talking to other parents in similar circumstances can help reduce feelings of anxiety and isolation.
A cleft can also have a psychological impact on a child, particularly as they get older and begin to mix with other children.
It is recommended that you are entirely open about the nature of your child's condition as soon as they are old enough to understand. Treat it as a normal topic of conversation and not a guilty secret that nobody should talk about.
It is best to be realistic about the possible length of treatment that your child might require and its likely outcomes. Ongoing treatment lasting for up to 20 years is usually required for most children with a cleft. Although this can be upsetting, giving your child false hope and unrealistic expectations could be more damaging in the long run.
You can also help strengthen your child's independence by involving them in the decision-making process about their treatment and their life in general.
Children with clefts are more likely to develop tooth decay. This is partly due to crowding of the teeth, which makes it more difficult for them to keep their teeth clean.
The advice below may help reduce your child’s risk of developing tooth decay.
