Visiting the NICU Admission to the NICUHow we care for your baby Neonatal surgery Developmental care Parental involvement Coping and where to get help Family journeys Parental rights and responsibilities NICU jargon buster Frequently asked questions

East of England Cleft Lip and Palate Network

 

Reaching out across the East of England to provide specialist care to children and families with a cleft related condition.

 

Welcome. On behalf of the network, congratulations on the birth of your baby.

 

If your baby has been diagnosed with a cleft condition then referral to the Cleft Team is made immediately and we visit within 24 hours of that referral so as you browse today you may have already met one of the Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS).

 

The CNS is usually the first member of the team to visit you and your baby. They may be accompanied by one of the Plastic Surgeons on the team if they are available at that time.

 

At this first visit we will introduce the Cleft Team and answer any questions you have regarding the cleft condition, support and advise you with feeding your baby and explore your thoughts, feelings and emotions regarding the cleft condition. Leaflet information is provided at the first visit as there is much information to remember.

 

The CNS will examine your baby's cleft and will, together with you discuss and complete a feeding plan. Again leaflet information and feeding equipment, if necessary will be provided at this visit.

 

Following the initial contact, you will be followed up by the Cleft Team regularly both in the hospital and when you go home.

 

If you need to discuss any of this information do not hesitate to contact the cleft team