Parents of children with cleft lip and plate

Abstract

The preceding literature review and parent interviews are intended to provide novel insight into the stress, anxiety, and fears faced by parents of children born with a cleft lip and palate. Professionals need to be available to assist with the adjustments and transitions that the parents will face and to tailor their interactions to the specific needs of the parents and the child. Several conclusions are apparent. 1. Needs appear to be greatest at times of transition: birth, operation, and school. 2. Feelings of loss and grief may accompany the birth of a child with a cleft. The birth may be marked by the realization that the perfect child is lost and by the grief that this imperfect child must be loved and nurtured. The rearing process is complicated by the parents' own insecurities and can be assisted by positive coping strategies and the support of other parents of children with clefts. 3. Parents may feel uncomfortable discussing aspects of finance and personal fears. The parents interviewed indicated that the fears and concerns expressed here were the very concerns that they do not raise with professionals. 4. Parents are highly variable in their experience and needs. The age of the parents, the extent of the cleft, and familiarity with clefting appear to be major factors in determining how well parents deal with the birth of a child with a cleft. 5. Cleft palate team members have innumerable opportunities to assist parents.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)