Welcome to Baby and Cleft, a blog and information resource about cleft lip, palate and associated conditions.
My name is Lisa, and my unborn baby boy has recently been diagnosed with a cleft lip and possible palate during a 23 week ultrasound scan. My husband and I know first-hand what the shock and pain of the diagnosis feels like, and going forward I want to use my skills to raise awareness of the condition and chart our story from diagnosis to birth, surgery and beyond.
I am in the process of setting up this blog/website, and there is quite a bit of work I still have to do on it. My journey to motherhood has not been an easy one. I suffered six miscarriages over the years since my early 30’s. I’m now 39 (40 in a few days’ time) and my unborn baby boy is wanted and loved already more than anything in the world, despite the fact he will be born with a cleft lip.
I’ll chart my story to where I am now in a series of entries on this blog when I have finished setting it up, but for now I can honestly say I would not have go through the last week and a half without the love and support of my wonderful husband, my parents, my family, my friends who have all sent me wonderful messages of support and comments on my facebook profile, the Cleft Lip And Palate Association charity in the UK (www.clapa.com) and the amazing women in the CLAPA Facebook support group. I’ve already made some fantastic friends from the CLAPA group on Facebook, and everyone has been so incredible and supportive – I know that however hard the road ahead for my little boy, we will all get through it.
In the meantime anyone reading this who would like to contact me can do so by emailing enquiries@babyandcleft.co.uk. I would love to hear from you.