Cleft Lip and palate

Cleft lip and palate

Facial malformation that occur during embryonic development.

Results in a failure of the maxillary and premaxillary processes between week 4 and 10.

Associated problems of cleft lip and palate

Inability to suck and form anterior seal

Secretions

Dental, speech, hearing, and improper drainage of middle ear.

Feeding a child with CP

Hold infant in upright position during
feeding
• Special Needs Feeder
• Pigeon Bottle
• Mead-Johnson Cleft Palate Nurser
• Breastfeeding
• Obturator
• Burping

Cleft lip repair (Cheiloplasty)

Surgery happens 2-3 months

Post-op
• Cleansing of the suture line
• Keep moist (petroleum jelly)
• Elbow immobilizers
• Pain control
• Resume feeds as tolerated
• Avoid hard objects or suction in the oral cavity
• Home within 24 hours

Cleft palate repair (Palatoschisis)

Surgery in 6-12 months (best outcome with speech if done before 12 months)

Watch for respiratory difficulties
• Elbow immobilizers
• No hard or sharp objects in mouth
• Monitor suture line
• Feeding modifications – syringe feeding