Cleft Palate Repair

Typical hospital stays for cleft palate repair would be one to three days, dependent on the child and the surgeon. Most surgeons want the child weaned from the bottle prior to surgery. Some surgeons want the baby to be weaned from the pacifier as well. Make sure you discuss all these issues with your team. It is very important to know what their post surgery guidelines are before surgery, so you won't have any surprises.

For some babies, this is their first surgery.  We have some tips for parents and caregivers that have been received from our parents.

• For working parents, try to take off as much time as you can. 
• Ask the surgeon about the type of splints they use and their instructions on how long they are to wear them.  We have heard great stories about Snuggle Wraps
• Take old clothing for the hospital stay, babies will have some bleeding and you will be doing lots of cuddling.  Also, take extra clothing.
• Be prepared for that first look after surgery, there will be swelling and blood, that is normal.
• If the weather cooperates, have the baby wear long sleeves and the splints can go over the sleeves.
• Be creative with that soft food diet.  Take their favorite foods and blend them, remember to provide healthy high protein foods.  Stock up on these items before the surgery, so you don't have to leave the baby to go grocery shopping.
• Pain relievers on a regular basis are crucial.  You don't want the pain to get ahead of the baby.  This is especially true the first few days.  Review the medications and usage with the hospital staff in detail. 
• Try to get as much rest prior to the surgery, you will need it!

  One of our parents compiled this comprehensive packing list for cleft palate repair surgeries.

  Child's Pack List
  stroller
  favorite blanket
  bumper pad 
  stuffed animals
  crib mirror
  crib fish aquarium
  CD player and CD's
  books
  small picture album w/family photos (fun to look at)
  videos 
  nightlight
  front button onsies (easier than over-the-head) for ride home
  old bibs
  sweatpants
  socks
  front button P.J.'s  
  sippy cups (our entire collection, what did NOT work pre-op, may work post-op)
  open-end cups
  favorite baby food and juice (hospitals usually have the basic flavors and only apple juice)
  
  Parents Pack List 
  old comfortable clothes (they will get bloody) including t-shirts, sweatpants, tennis shoes
  slippers
  robe
  toiletries
  camera/film
  camcorder/tapes
  list of phone numbers and email addresses to update family
  money for drinks and food
  magazines, books, Baby Book 
  pillows packed in a laundry sack (used later for dirty clothes, hospital pillows are too flat)