{"id":1842,"date":"2026-04-26T06:31:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T06:31:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/?p=1842"},"modified":"2026-04-26T06:32:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T06:32:21","slug":"labio-palatine-cleft-how-to-best-support-your-baby-from-the-very-first-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/en\/labio-palatine-cleft-how-to-best-support-your-baby-from-the-very-first-days\/","title":{"rendered":"Labio-palatine cleft: how to best support your baby from the very first days?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<strong>In brief:<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Detection<\/strong>: <strong>Cleft lip and palate<\/strong> can be identified in the second trimester but sometimes remains invisible before birth.<\/li><li><strong>First days<\/strong>: <strong>Support<\/strong> begins within the first hours with appropriate <strong>neonatal care<\/strong> (feeding, positioning, specific accessories).<\/li><li><strong>Care and surgery<\/strong>: a multidisciplinary pathway is set up, with an initial surgery often around 3 months and follow-up until adolescence.<\/li><li><strong>Parental support<\/strong>: clear information, peer networks, and psychological support reduce anxiety and promote parent-baby bonding.<\/li><li><strong>Baby development<\/strong>: speech therapy, orthodontics, and ENT follow-up protect language, hearing, and facial growth.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Sommaire<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/en\/labio-palatine-cleft-how-to-best-support-your-baby-from-the-very-first-days\/#Cleft_lip_and_palate_detection_during_pregnancy_and_announcement_to_parents\" >Cleft lip and palate: detection during pregnancy and announcement to parents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/en\/labio-palatine-cleft-how-to-best-support-your-baby-from-the-very-first-days\/#Neonatal_care_and_feeding_concrete_actions_for_the_first_days\" >Neonatal care and feeding: concrete actions for the first days<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/en\/labio-palatine-cleft-how-to-best-support-your-baby-from-the-very-first-days\/#Surgical_pathway_operation_schedule_and_team_roles\" >Surgical pathway: operation schedule and team roles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/en\/labio-palatine-cleft-how-to-best-support-your-baby-from-the-very-first-days\/#Parental_support_emotional_accompaniment_and_practical_resources\" >Parental support, emotional accompaniment, and practical resources<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/en\/labio-palatine-cleft-how-to-best-support-your-baby-from-the-very-first-days\/#Speech_therapy_ENT_follow-up_and_baby_development_in_the_medium_and_long_term\" >Speech therapy, ENT follow-up, and baby development in the medium and long term<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cleft_lip_and_palate_detection_during_pregnancy_and_announcement_to_parents\"><\/span>Cleft lip and palate: detection during pregnancy and announcement to parents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Detecting a <strong>Cleft lip and palate<\/strong> during pregnancy changes preparation for the arrival of <strong>baby<\/strong>. The morphological ultrasound in the second trimester can reveal an abnormality, but it is not uncommon for the malformation to go unnoticed until birth. When the diagnosis is made in utero, a care pathway is often quickly proposed to organize delivery in a center equipped for pediatric maxillofacial surgery.<\/p>\n\n<p>Parents often experience strong emotions upon the announcement. Anonymized testimonies show that having time between the announcement and the birth allows for gathering information, meeting families who have experienced the same situation, and receiving clear explanations about the medical pathway. For example, a mother who learned the diagnosis at five months of pregnancy was able to organize meetings with professionals and other parents, which reduced her feeling of isolation.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prenatal examination and additional investigations<\/h3>\n\n<p>In practice, after the ultrasound suspicion, amniocentesis may be proposed to look for possible chromosomal anomalies. The goal is not to alarm, but to clarify whether the cleft is isolated or associated with other signs. This distinction influences the type of medical and psychological support offered.<\/p>\n\n<p>When the diagnosis has not been made before birth, discovery at the maternity ward requires rapid referral to a specialized center. Postnatal transfer may involve repeated trips for consultations, as recounted by a family transferred the day after delivery to a more suitable facility.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to announce and support the announcement?<\/h3>\n\n<p>The manner of announcement plays a decisive role. Perinatal-trained professionals ensure to provide clear, gradual, and compassionate information. Parents benefit from a follow-up plan, contact with the surgical team, and a point of contact for practical questions (feeding, care, appointment schedule).<\/p>\n\n<p>An illustrative storyline: the Martin couple learn at 22 weeks that their future child has a cleft. They receive a prenatal surgical consultation, an appointment with a psychologist, and contacts to parent associations. This organization allows anticipating practical needs for returning home and preparing the family.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Insight:<\/strong> a well-orchestrated announcement, with clear appointments and meetings with peers, transforms uncertainty into a concrete action plan.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Neonatal_care_and_feeding_concrete_actions_for_the_first_days\"><\/span>Neonatal care and feeding: concrete actions for the first days<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>From birth, the support of a newborn with a <strong>Cleft lip and palate<\/strong> includes targeted <strong>neonatal care<\/strong> and particular attention to <strong>feeding<\/strong>. Communication between nose and mouth can disrupt sucking and swallowing, hence the importance of adapting breastfeeding or bottle feeding with specific accessories and positions that promote successful meals.<\/p>\n\n<p>Teats and bottles designed for clefts facilitate flow and reduce respiratory effort during feeding. Neonatal nursing staff show parents how to hold <strong>baby<\/strong> in a slightly upright position, support the cheek, and adjust the rhythm of pauses to allow breathing. These actions strengthen bonding and reduce the child\u2019s fatigue.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical steps for feeding<\/h3>\n\n<p>1) Test different adapted teats and choose the one that provides the right flow. 2) Keep <strong>baby<\/strong> in a semi-upright position during feedings. 3) Offer frequent pauses to avoid aspiration. 4) Ensure follow-up in pediatric consultation to measure weight gain and feeding effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n<p>An experienced pediatric nurse will offer repeated demonstrations to reassure parents. A concrete example: the Dubois family tested three models of bottles in maternity. The valve model allowed better control of flow and regular weight gain from the first week.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medical monitoring and prevention of complications<\/h3>\n\n<p>During the first days, monitoring includes weight control, assessment of the ability to feed without aspiration risk, and searching for episodes of ear infection or respiratory distress. Antibiotics and painkillers may be prescribed if surgery has taken place or an infection is suspected.<\/p>\n\n<p>Practical support extends to advice on diaper changes, babywearing, and skin-to-skin contact, essential for soothing <strong>baby<\/strong> and promoting physiological regulation. These moments strengthen parental bonding and ease adaptation to daily care.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Insight:<\/strong> simple and repetitive feeding and positioning actions, combined with suitable accessories, quickly improve the child\u2019s comfort and weight gain.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"is-provider-youtube is-type-video wp-block-embed wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Allaiter votre b\u00e9b\u00e9 porteur d&#039;une fente labio-palatine ? Oui c&#039;est possible\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rpCF9BK2HVA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surgical_pathway_operation_schedule_and_team_roles\"><\/span>Surgical pathway: operation schedule and team roles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Surgical management of a <strong>Cleft lip and palate<\/strong> is planned by a multidisciplinary team. Pediatric anesthesia, maxillofacial surgeon, ENT specialist, orthodontist, and speech therapist coordinate interventions according to the child\u2019s age and morphology. Generally, the first lip and nose surgery takes place from 3 months, and hard palate repair follows a few months later.<\/p>\n\n<p>The medical pathway often extends until the end of adolescence. Additional surgeries (rhinoplasty, bone grafts, touch-ups) may be proposed according to facial development and orthodontic needs. Regular communication with the team allows adapting the schedule to family expectations and the child\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Table: indicative schedule of interventions<\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Approximate age<\/th>\n<th>Objective<\/th>\n<th>Professionals involved<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Birth \u2013 3 months<\/td>\n<td>Assessment, feeding, preparation<\/td>\n<td>Pediatrician, neonatal nurse, surgeon<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3 \u2013 6 months<\/td>\n<td>Lip and nose repair<\/td>\n<td>Surgeon, pediatric anesthetist<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>6 \u2013 12 months<\/td>\n<td>Closure of the hard palate and function improvement<\/td>\n<td>Surgeon, speech therapist<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2 \u2013 6 years<\/td>\n<td>Speech therapy follow-up, possible first orthodontics<\/td>\n<td>Speech therapist, orthodontist<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Adolescence<\/td>\n<td>Additional aesthetic or functional interventions<\/td>\n<td>Surgeon, orthodontist, ENT specialist<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p>Each surgical procedure aims to restore oral-nasal function and facial aesthetics. Modern techniques leave increasingly discreet scars, but the psychological aspect remains central. Support from specialized psychologists helps families and the child integrate these stages calmly.<\/p>\n\n<p>An illustrative case: a child operated on at 4 months for the lip had early orthodontic follow-up and a speech therapy session before starting school. The parents were led to plan and anticipate appointments, which allowed better coordination and fewer unexpected events.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Insight:<\/strong> a clear schedule and coordinated team reduce family anxiety and optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"is-provider-youtube is-type-video wp-block-embed wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"la fente labio palatine de Rachel\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xaJM-NfExek?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Parental_support_emotional_accompaniment_and_practical_resources\"><\/span>Parental support, emotional accompaniment, and practical resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Announcing to family and close ones, finding answers to fears, and maintaining a strong affective bond with <strong>baby<\/strong> fall under <strong>parental support<\/strong>. Parents\u2019 emotional experiences vary: from surprise to distress. Having psychological relay and a network of concerned parents is often a lifeline.<\/p>\n\n<p>Associations, support groups, and specialized platforms like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=laviedebebe.com\">La Vie de B\u00e9b\u00e9<\/a> offer validated resources and testimonies. They provide access to practical sheets (feeding, preparation for operations) and concrete feedback, helping to normalize the pathway.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical advice for parents<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Request a medical referent to centralize appointments and reports.<\/li><li>Prioritize skin-to-skin contact to soothe the child and promote attachment.<\/li><li>Test different feeding devices before leaving the maternity ward.<\/li><li>Look for peers through local or online associations to share tips and emotions.<\/li><li>Plan breaks, ask for help with medical travel, and allow time for rest.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p>Talking about the scar and surgeries is essential. Stories and children\u2019s books help explain difference simply and positively. The presence of a professional to prepare for school entry and anticipate potential peer questions facilitates social integration.<\/p>\n\n<p>Storyline: the Martins, after the birth of their daughter, participated in a support group and used La Vie de B\u00e9b\u00e9\u2019s resources to prepare for the first surgery. They were able to design with the team a short phrase their child could use at school to answer classmates\u2019 questions.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Insight:<\/strong> structured emotional support, complemented by validated resources, strengthens parents\u2019 confidence and the child\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Speech_therapy_ENT_follow-up_and_baby_development_in_the_medium_and_long_term\"><\/span>Speech therapy, ENT follow-up, and baby development in the medium and long term<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>After surgery, <strong>baby development<\/strong> follow-up includes functional aspects: speech therapy for language, ENT consultations for hearing, and orthodontic follow-up for dental growth. Early intervention on speech and hearing limits academic and social repercussions.<\/p>\n\n<p>Speech therapy aims to support sucking-swallowing skills and then observe phonological emergence. Playful exercises and regular sessions strengthen oral coordination and language quality. For example, a child with early speech therapy follow-up often shows less articulation delay at school entry age.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Auditory monitoring and prevention of ear infections<\/h3>\n\n<p>Children with a cleft are exposed to episodes of middle ear infection and temporary hearing disorders. Preventive ENT follow-up, sometimes associated with the placement of tympanic drains, prevents complications. Regular hearing monitoring is essential to adapt speech therapy and school learning.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Anticipating schooling and self-esteem<\/h3>\n\n<p>Teachers, made aware through educational tools, are key players in good school atmosphere. Early exchanges between parents, speech therapist, and school facilitate necessary accommodations (reading support, acoustic adjustments). Working on acceptance and language about difference helps the child develop a positive self-image.<\/p>\n\n<p>A concrete example: a multidisciplinary team prepared an information session at primary school before the arrival of an operated pupil. The result was easier acceptance thanks to simple explanations and answers to children\u2019s questions.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Insight:<\/strong> early and coordinated multidisciplinary follow-up protects communication, hearing, and social integration, sources of harmonious development.<\/p>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How to know if the cleft affects my baby's feeding?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Monitor weight gain, frequency of feeding pauses and signs of aspiration. A pediatrician or neonatal nurse will assess sucking and propose suitable teats or bottles if necessary.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"At what age does the first surgery take place?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Usually, lip and nose repair occurs around 3 months. Closure of the hard palate often takes a few additional months. The schedule depends on each child and the surgical team\u2019s decision.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which specialists will be involved?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A multidisciplinary team may include a maxillofacial surgeon, pediatric anesthetist, ENT specialist, speech therapist, orthodontist, pediatrician, and psychologist. Coordination ensures comprehensive care.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can cleft lip and palate be prevented?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"There is no guaranteed prevention. Balanced maternal nutrition and adequate vitamin intake, especially B9, are recommended, as for general pregnancy health. Certain genetic and environmental factors increase risks.\"}}]}\n<\/script>\n<h3>How to know if the cleft affects my baby\u2019s feeding?<\/h3>\n<p>Monitor weight gain, frequency of feeding pauses, and signs of aspiration. A pediatrician or neonatal nurse will assess sucking and propose suitable teats or bottles if necessary.<\/p>\n<h3>At what age does the first surgery take place?<\/h3>\n<p>Usually, lip and nose repair occurs around 3 months. Closure of the hard palate often takes a few additional months. The schedule depends on each child and the surgical team\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n<h3>Which specialists will be involved?<\/h3>\n<p>A multidisciplinary team may include a maxillofacial surgeon, pediatric anesthetist, ENT specialist, speech therapist, orthodontist, pediatrician, and psychologist. Coordination ensures comprehensive care.<\/p>\n<h3>Can cleft lip and palate be prevented?<\/h3>\n<p>There is no guaranteed prevention. Balanced maternal nutrition and adequate vitamin intake, especially B9, are recommended, as for general pregnancy health. Certain genetic and environmental factors increase risks.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In brief: Cleft lip and palate: detection during pregnancy and announcement to parents Detecting a Cleft lip and palate during pregnancy changes preparation for the arrival of baby. The morphological ultrasound in the second trimester can reveal an abnormality, but it is not uncommon for the malformation to go unnoticed until birth. When the diagnosis &#8230; <a title=\"Labio-palatine cleft: how to best support your baby from the very first days?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/en\/labio-palatine-cleft-how-to-best-support-your-baby-from-the-very-first-days\/\" aria-label=\"En savoir plus sur Labio-palatine cleft: how to best support your baby from the very first days?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-baby-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1842"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1842\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1843,"href":"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1842\/revisions\/1843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1842"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1842"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laviedebebe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}