Our Summary

This research study was conducted to understand the emotional and social impact of having a child with a cleft lip and palate on parents. The study was carried out internationally with 10 cleft teams from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and the UK. They studied 448 children who were born with a non-syndromic cleft lip and palate, and 356 parents took part in the research.

The study found that most parents received both practical and emotional support from their family, friends, and healthcare professionals. Still, they had to deal with various reactions from others regarding their child’s cleft, which could be anything from hurtful to neutral or even positive. The study also noted that according to the parents, 39% of the children faced comments or teasing due to their cleft lip and palate. More than half of the parents were worried about their child’s future.

The conclusion of the study was that while most parents handled their child’s diagnosis well and had positive support, some faced emotional and psychological challenges. The researchers suggest that these parents should be identified by the cleft team and provided with appropriate psychological support when needed.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the research study conducted on children with cleft lip and palate?
  2. What were the main findings of the study regarding the social and emotional impact on parents of children with cleft lip and palate?
  3. What was the study’s recommendation for parents facing emotional and psychological challenges due to their child’s cleft lip and palate?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft palate surgery is to follow the post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery. This may include keeping the surgical site clean, avoiding certain foods or activities that could disrupt healing, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It’s also important for parents to provide emotional support to their child during this time and reassure them that they are loved and supported no matter what.

Suitable For

Cleft palate surgery is typically recommended for patients who are born with a cleft lip and palate, which is a common birth defect that affects the upper lip and roof of the mouth. This surgery is usually recommended in early childhood to help improve the child’s ability to eat, speak, and breathe properly. Additionally, cleft palate surgery can also help improve the child’s appearance and overall quality of life.

It is important for parents of children with a cleft lip and palate to work closely with a cleft team, which includes healthcare professionals such as surgeons, speech therapists, and psychologists, to ensure that their child receives the appropriate care and support throughout the treatment process. Parents should also be aware of the emotional and social impact that having a child with a cleft lip and palate can have on their family, and seek support as needed.

Timeline

Before cleft palate surgery:

  • Child is born with a cleft lip and palate
  • Parents receive the diagnosis and begin to process the news
  • Parents may experience a range of emotions, including shock, sadness, and worry about the future
  • Parents seek support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals
  • Child may face comments or teasing due to their cleft lip and palate
  • Parents may worry about their child’s future

After cleft palate surgery:

  • Child undergoes cleft palate surgery to repair the cleft
  • Parents may feel relief that their child has received the necessary treatment
  • Child may experience discomfort and pain post-surgery
  • Parents provide care and support during the recovery period
  • Child’s speech and feeding abilities may improve following surgery
  • Parents continue to monitor their child’s progress and may seek additional support if needed

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cleft palate surgery may include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with cleft palate surgery?
  2. What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of speech, feeding, and appearance?
  3. How long is the recovery process after cleft palate surgery?
  4. Will additional surgeries be needed in the future?
  5. What type of follow-up care will be required after the surgery?
  6. What support resources are available for parents and children during the cleft palate surgery process?
  7. How soon after birth should cleft palate surgery be performed?
  8. Are there any specific feeding or speech therapy recommendations following the surgery?
  9. How will cleft palate surgery impact my child’s overall development and quality of life?
  10. Are there any specific precautions or lifestyle changes that need to be made before or after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Feragen KB, Rumsey N, Heliövaara A, Boysen BM, Johannessen EC, Havstam C, Marcusson A, Nyberg J, Pedersen NH, Bogh-Nielsen J, Eyres P, Bradbury E, Semb G. Journal: J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2017 Feb;51(1):73-80. doi: 10.1080/2000656X.2016.1254643. PMID: 28218553