by connie lewis9 » Tue Sep 18, 2001 11:05 am
Hi there!!
I completely understand how you feel, as my son was born with a Cleft lip just last year. His palate was intact, but the Cleft touched into his gum as well. His 1st operation was at 3 months of age to close up his lip. They did such a wonderful job, we were so pleased. The surgeon said to us before his operation to make sure to take alot of pictures of him with his Cleft, as after surgery we would quickly forget what he once looked like. He was right!! Our son is now a beautiful baby!! His surgeon also told me something that will stay with me always. He said that 'if this is the worst thing your son has to go through, he will come out a winner' He is 16 months now, with no problems at all. His hearing is great, he has no problems with speech (as far as we can tell) and he looks great. I know we have a few operations ahead of us, but we know that he will have a great future! Even if they could not do another thing for him, that would be ok. I remember just before his operation, I was out shopping. My son was not a very good sleeper, so once he did finally fall asleep I would cover his head with a light blanket (to keep the light out). One lady came over to the stroller and said 'OHHHH look at the baby'. While saying the above sentence, she pulled the blanket back to reveil his face. When she saw him she had a complete look of horror on her face. Without saying another word, she turned and left. I will never forget that look, but I am also greatful to her for that. She made me even more determined to show him off with pride. Before and after the surgery.
I was lucky, I was able to breast-feed him without any problem. As he was my second child, I had a little practice in that department. I could not however get him to drink from a bottle until approx a month to a month and a half after the operation. Once he took the bottle I gave his a soother. It really helpes to strenghten the muscles in the lip. I've also tryed to get him to make sounds that require his to shape his
mouth in a 'o' shape. This too helps the muscles.
With the wonderful new procedures and fantastic Doctors doing them, our children have a bright future. They will have a few challanges ahead, but no more then any other child...only different. Love your baby, be proud of her and know that she will be beautiful...both inside and out!!!