Which does the care of a newborn with a cleft lip and palate before surgical repair include?
Show
SummaryRead the full fact sheet
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: Related information
From other websitesContent disclaimerContent on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. OverviewCleft lip and cleft palate are fairly common birth defects that can be treated with surgery. They often occur together. Cleft lip happens when the tissues of the upper jaw and nose do not join properly as a baby develops. This causes a split (cleft) in the lip. In most cases a cleft lip does not cause health problems. Cleft palate happens when the roof of the mouth (palate) does not develop normally during pregnancy. This leaves an opening that may go through to the nasal cavity. It may affect any part of the palate, including the front part of the roof of the mouth (hard palate) or the small tag of tissue that hangs down from the soft palate (uvula). Some babies with cleft palates have trouble feeding. Both of these conditions are treated with surgery. Cleft lip is repaired in the first few months of a child's life; the timing depends on how bad it is. Cleft palate is usually fixed before 12 months of age, and it often takes more than one surgery. If your child is born with a cleft lip or palate, it is normal to have concerns and feelings that may include anger, fear, guilt, depression, or denial. You may wonder how your friends, relatives, other children, and even strangers will react to your baby's appearance. Try to focus on bonding with your baby; the other issues will not seem as important over time. Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes. How can you care for your child at home?Caring for a child with a cleft lip
Caring for a child with a cleft palate
When should you call for help?Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter H667 in the search box to learn more about "Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate in Children: Care Instructions". How do you care for a newborn with a cleft lip?Caring for a child with a cleft palate
Bottle-feeding usually works better than breastfeeding. Some mothers pump their breast milk and give it to their babies in bottles. Watch your baby for problems with choking, gagging, or milk coming out through the nose while feeding.
What is a priority of nursing care for an infant after cleft lip repair?Nursing interventions for the patient with cleft lip and palate are:. Maintain adequate nutrition. ... . Positioning. ... . Tools for feeding. ... . Promote family coping. ... . Reduce family anxiety. ... . Provide family teaching.. What surgery is performed first to treat cleft palates and cleft lips?A plastic surgeon will repair the baby's cleft lip first, usually when the baby is about 3 months old. This is done with a surgery called cheiloplasty (KY-lo-plass-tee).
What is the surgical procedure for cleft lip?The most common type of cleft lip repair is a rotation advancement repair. The plastic surgeon will make an incision on each side of the cleft from the lip to the nostril. The two sides of the lip are then sutured together, using tissue from the area to rearrange and close the lip as needed.
|