A cleft is a split or separation of parts. During the early part of pregnancy, separate areas of the baby’s face and head develop individually, than join together. When joining does not take place or is incomplete, the baby can be born with a cleft lip on one or both sides, with or without a cleft palate. Breastfeeding is sometimes possible, perhaps using a nipple shield; if not, special bottles and nipples are readily available. Some milk may return down the nose but this doesn’t matter.

A cleft lip can be surgically closed soon or some weeks after birth. The palate can be closed from about six to nine months. Further operations may be necessary for some children.

Affected children are looked after by a cleft-palate team which will monitor speech, hearing, and teeth and will intervene should this become necessary. Support for parents is available.