CLEFT TIMELINE
Prenatal
Diagnosis of a cleft lip and/or cleft palate in a routine anatomy ultrasound.
Referred to Maternal Fetal Medicine and put in contact with a cleft team.
Genetic counseling is offered.
Education at this time should cover the many different types of clefts and potential causes.
Caregivers should be educated on the ongoing care of children with a cleft need.
Birth-6 months
Newborn hearing screening is done at birth. Referral to an ENT/Auditory specialist if needed.
Consultation with the cleft team shortly after birth.
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Caregivers should be aware of the pre-surgical options available or what their
surgeon prefers such as: Taping, NAM, a Latham device, Nasal Elevator, or
obturator.
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Cleft Lip Repair
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Can be accomplished in one surgery, sometimes takes two.
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Occurs after the baby has demonstrated steady weight gain and is healthy enough to go under anesthesia.
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Babies will stay overnight for observation.
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Your surgeon will give you aftercare instructions, which may include the following:
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Temporarily using syringes before going back to breastfeeding (if palate isn’t affected) or bottle feeding.
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Using arm immobilizers (no-no’s) to keep baby’s hands away from their mouth and faces.
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Taking care of the surgical site.
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Scheduling a post op check up.
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Early intervention services start at birth and go to age 3 years old.
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