Cleft Lip and Cleft Palet

I saw on TV one time that in some speech classes they have the child hold a pencil in their mouth with their teeth so that when they go to pronunciate their words, it forces them to try harder, ... maybe you could try that .....

good luck :) you may also email me @ ____@____.com to chat about the child care ...

J.,
I just signed on th mom source, but my son was born w/bclp. We did 3 surgeries in Roanoke, VA and were upset with the results. We ended up going to Duke Childrens Hospital. We ended up doing 2 more surgeries before he was a year old. But if you're close enough to make a trip to Duke they have a great cleft palet team. Also check with your local colleges. We ended up moving near ECU in NC - and my son does speech thru the college for less than what I would have to pay insurance, plus he gets the best of both worlds. New ideas along with caring students that are working for a GRADE! So they end up working harder with the children then say someone that gets paid $50/hr.
good luck!

hello J.,
I have a 4 yr old Son that had a cleft lip and a notch in the front of his palate (along his gum line @ the front teeth) He also has an extra tooth on top so it makes his teeth a lil off center, He sees the Cleft palate Team in roanoke thru the Care Connection for children. A good dentist for children with clefts is Dr. Paget in Blacksburg i have heard alot of parents whom dont like him but i do and my kids like him alot as well, with teeth thou beyond the extra one which im not sure what will be done about it yet, i know he will have to have a bone graft to his gumline to repair the notch after he gets all his adult teeth then of course he will need braces, Is your daughters peditrician concerned with her speech?? does she see a speech theripist? my son only problem is with his "S" he keeps his tongue at the roof of his mouth when saying them but the Speach specialist thru Cleft palate clinic says that maybe normally alot of 4 yr olds have the problem, if need anything else let me know i will try to be more helpful I know this can be overwhelming i know for me it was espically since we didnt know he had a cleft until birth. oh a tip for potty training i used this with my son n it worked pretty well but doesnt always work for everyone, We had a toss the diaper(pull up) party just5 a special dinner of his fav n a lil desert then i gave him a gumball machine n sugar free gum, everytime he did number 1 in the potty he got to have one piece of gum if he did number 2 he could have 2 pieces, we had sum trouble with number two but within a week and having him pantsless:| lol he was fully potty trained @ 3...and has never wet the bed or anything, but good luck and if u have any more questions feel free to ask me!

Hi! J. M,

My name is K.. My son was born with a cleft lip and palate. He had surgery the day after he was born. During those times, it was very difficult for him to eat. He's now 9 years old. He was and still attends speech classes. When he'd come home we would also help to improve his speech. As, far as his teeth, the doctor had to reform his palate to fix some of his teeth. His bottom row of teeth is fine, but the top are a little crooked. The dentist said that when his baby teeth fall out he will be able to recieve braces. Now when it came time to potty train. I have four, but I'm trying to remember because it was so long ago when he was potty trained. I must say it took a while to potty train him but eventually he got the hang of it. What really helped him out being in daycare and the teacher would take the kids for a potty break, so he pretty much learned by watching others go. Every child is different though. Eventually she will get it together with her speech and potty training. She's working at it, at her own pace which is fine. Don't listen to people that tell you, your child should be doing this or that by now. Because your child will do it when she's ready. As far as the speech, just read to her everynight. Correct her when she pronounces a word wrong, and if you are able to put in speech class. Now with the baby sitting situation, I understand what you mean. It's hard to trust some people with your child these days. I always went to family first for that. If they weren't available then I would visit daycare centers when I had the money. Or maybe you should do daycare, that way your daughter could stay home with you. You can always go through the planning council or social service and get paid for daycare. I wish you the most of look J. M. Things will eventually work in your favor. If you would like further conversation or someone to talk to email me at ____@____.com

I have a 4 year old step daughter with a cleft lip and pallette. I was told by one of our doctors, that dental wouldn't be done until she was in her teens. Then she will probably get braces to straighten her teeth. As far as speech therapy, the doctor could refer your daughter to one, or the school in your area can also help. I went through the school, now she has an appointment to have testing done, then hopefully she will be put in pre school. Hope this helps a little. Good luck.

J.,
Call USC Speech & Hearing Center at ###-###-#### for a Speech Evaluation. They handle alot of children with Cleft Lip & paletes. Also there is a CranioFacial clinic in Columbia SC through the Children's Rehabilation Department that helps children with Cl&P. Babynet will pay for Speech therapy until the child turns 3 years old, then the school district will pay.
CRS is ###-###-####. Babynet is ###-###-####. Also you can try thr Richland/Lexington Disabilities & Special Needs Board at ###-###-####. Hope this helps-Take Care-T.

The government (believe it or not) provides speach coaches or classes for preschool age children. My son didn't have any impediments, but needed speach help at a preschool age. Check w/ your local health dept, or contact your nearest school. Either place should have info that should guide you in the right direction. There is also programs set up to assist single parents in childcare. Lookup childcare resources. Maybe they can help you. As for the job, you can check w/ your local post office to see if they are hiring "casuals" for christmas yet. It's a good job and can help you through the tough season. Good luck.

I dont really have an answer for you, but I am a member of a great moms group. You can send me your email and I will send you and invite.

Hello My name is C. I do childcare in my home.Feel free to send me an email if you would like more information.Email address is ____@____.com.