The diagnosis of cleft lip and palate is much more common than you might realize, but the treatment is accessible, advanced and comprehensive! We can’t quite say that cleft lip and palate is “no big deal,” but we can say an entire team of doctors, surgeons, dentists, speech therapists and social workers are trained and experienced at making this diagnosis as low-impact and manageable as possible. Most babies who have a cleft lip or cleft palate only have a slight, unnoticeable scar after receiving treatment.

To discuss the team approach for treating cleft lip and palate, ParentingU host Stephanie is joined by Lisa Morris, MD and Laura Hetzler, MD—both otolaryngologists (Ear, Nose and Throat physicians), both with specialties in facial plastic surgery; and co-directors of Our Lady of the Lake Cleft and Craniofacial Multidisciplinary Team. You will hear the passion these doctors have for their specialties and receive an education about how a medical team can work together for their infant patients and their families.

Resources for You

• Learn more about Our Lady of the Lake Cleft and Craniofacial Multidisciplinary Team here.
• Read about the Cleft and Craniofacial Services available.
• Learn more about the LSU Department of Otolaryngology and the research they are conducting.

Questions Answered on the Show

• How common is a diagnosis of cleft lip and palate?
• When do expectant parents often learn of the cleft lip and palate diagnosis?
• We received a diagnosis of cleft lip for our baby. I am scared and upset. What can I do?
• What causes cleft lip and palate?
• What kinds of doctors help with cleft lip and palate treatment?
• Can a baby with a cleft lip have a normal life?
• How do babies with cleft lip and palate eat?
• Are there resources in South Louisiana to help with a diagnosis of cleft lip and palate?
• Is LSU involved in cleft lip and palate research?

We hope you enjoy the new season of ParentingU! You can hear all episodes of ParentingU on our website or on your favorite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts. New! Watch videos of our podcast on YouTube: ParentingU playlist.

I’m deleting these links to the other hospitals - this is really a Baton Rouge specific service - at the Children’s Hospital. These are the three hospitals where babies are born (although St. Francis is in northern Louisiana)