Cleft Lip and Palate

Emotional, Social, and Psychological Issues
Home
Definitions and Causes
Common Complications
Feeding
Surgical
Emotional, Social, and Psychological Issues
Role of the Nurse
Conclusion
References

yp006.jpg

Giving birth to a child with any type of health problem can be traumatic. Parents have usually spent the last nine months, sometimes longer, dreaming of their "perfect child." A baby born with a facial defect, like cleft lip, can be initially devestating to parents and family. Some initial feelings felt by parents and/or family are shock, fear, guilt, anger, denial, sadness, and grief (CLAPAI, 2000, Lockhart, 2003, MacDonald, n.d., & Sandberg, et. al, 2002). 

The best thing that parents can do for their child in the beginning is take care of themselves. This is important since the child learns to interact with the world based on their experiences within the family unit. Parents do not always know how to cope with this experience. Some of the following stratigies may help parents and family through the ordeal (Choa, 2004, & CLAPAI, 2000);
  1. Treating each day as a new day. Taking one day at a time and trying not to dwell upon future issues.
  2. Gathering information by asking questions, and talking to other parents who have dealt with these types of feelings.
  3. Trying not to be intimidated by all the professionals involved. They are all there to help the child be as healthy as possible.
  4. Parents need to rest, eat well, and take time for themselves. This may avoid emotional and physical overload.
  5. Sharing feelings and being supportive within the family.
  6. Remember that the childs condition is correctable with time and treatment. Love, cuddle, play, and have lots of patience with the child.

Children born with cleft lip and/or palate are prone to develop emotional and social issues. As they grow, peer relationships are formed. These relationships are also important to their development. During this time he/she may experience teasing from others based upon their different appearance (Barthoshesky, 2000). Also, they may look down upon themselves (low self-esteem) because of their physical difference (Barthoshesky, 2000, & Lockhart, 2003). These are times in which they will need support and encouragement from their family and friends. Family and friends can support the child by (Barthoshesky, 2000, CLAPAI, 2000, & Lockhart, 2003):

  1. Making the home environment comfortable for the child to be themself.
  2. Listening to their concerns, and talking about why they feel the way they do.
  3. Letting them know that physical apperance is not all that makes a person who they are.
  4. Telling them that they are loved, and pointing out the qualities that make them special.
  5. Encourage the child to talk about their difference in appearance to there peers.

It may also be benenficial to the child to contact another child who also has cleft lip and/or palate (Choa, 2004). This may help them deal with feelings of lonliness and insecurity about how they look. If he/she experiences ongoing problems with esteem they may need to seek professional counselling for support.