Cleft Awareness Week

My Little Munchkin Emma

Since it is Cleft Lip and Palate Awareness Week I thought I would do my part to help others learn about Cleft Lips/and Palates!!! As many of you already know my little munchkin was born with a Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate. The cleft lip and palate is one of the most common birth anomalies in the world, cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a congenital condition which happens in the first three months of pregnancy. It affects the upper lip and the hard and soft palate of the mouth.  A cleft occurs when the parts which make up the lip and palate fail to fuse properly.

Having a Cleft Lip/Palate can have many affects on a child’s appearance, speech, teeth, eating, hearing and ability to develop socially.  There is usually a Craniofacial team that aids treating  all of the problems associated with clefts that may develop. (Cleft Information)

Emma Updates: Emma has been doing GREAT! Her cleft was 18mm apart, and since she has had her mouthpiece she is down to 13-14mm since its moved (picture posted of her with her mouthpiece in). Last week we also went to our first appointment for Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapy in Cleft children is used to help with feedings, however, since Emma is doing great with her feedings she gave us some exercises to do with her. We are supposed to put her on her tummy more, and let her play with her toys! So after the appointment last week we went toy shopping and I think Emma is adjusting well with her toys! She still isn't all the way on board for tummy time but she is getting there, she just doesn't like to be on her tummy for long periods of time. 

Below are pictures of Emma with her Mouthpiece...