Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate - Care and Treatment

Immediate Care for Newborns
You and your new baby will have your first team visit within the first week or two after birth.

When a cleft lip is present, it is important to evaluate whether nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is appropriate for your baby and start the process early. 

When a cleft is diagnosed after birth -- this may occur in babies with a cleft palate -- we see your newborn as soon as possible. We provide guidance on feeding and begin planning your child’s treatment immediately.

Treating Older Children
We provide ongoing care as children transition into their teenage years. If your child has been with our team from infancy, our entire team will typically see them annually. This ensures they meet milestones and receive medical and surgical intervention as they grow. 

Many times, we meet families with older children after they relocate to our area, as well as families with adopted children or who seek a second opinion. We fine-tune our treatment approach to fit your child's needs.

Our Experienced, Knowledgeable Team Cares for Your Child
Your child will be evaluated and treated by many specialists including plastic surgeons, craniofacial orthodontists, ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, audiology and speech therapy professionals, clinical social workers, and others, as needed. 

Our cleft and craniofacial team is well-established and one of the oldest in the region. Our experience with treating clefts includes a special focus on your child's ability to hear, speak, and feed/eat successfully. Our team of specialists provides coordinated, comprehensive care that meets the safety and compliance standards set by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association.

Our Dedicated Team Coordinator Works Closely with You
Our team coordinator ensures that your child receives care in a timely, coordinated, and effective manner. Because individualized care is very important, your child's care is tailored to make sure your child and family feel comfortable and valued. 

You can contact our coordinator through a dedicated phone line. She offers support, schedules visits, answers questions, and helps however you need it – when you need it. 

We Offer Convenient, Comprehensive Care
Providing convenient, comprehensive care to your child is important. Your child will be seen by each member of the team at every clinic visit, in one convenient location. 

At the end of the day, our team meets to discuss your child’s progress. This allows us to tailor the treatment plan to meet your child’s individual needs. Our team coordinator then provides you with a summary of the team visit, the team plan, and the next steps.

We Provide Ongoing Support
You will benefit from ongoing support for your emotional, social, and psychological needs.

• You’ll find a network of support—and friendships—among other families who share similar experiences. You can connect through community events and even team visits.
• Our social worker will educate you about your child’s developmental needs, offer support surrounding the psychosocial implications of having a child with a craniofacial difference, and provide information about financial assistance and other resources available at Duke and in your community.