The Cleft Palate Story » (First)

Berkowitz, Samuel, DDS, MS, FICD (Univ of Miami)

The contributors represent the specialties of pediatrics, genetics, speech and language pathology, otolaryngology, and plastic and reconstructive surgery. Most come from U.S. academic medical centers with the exception of one lactation consultant and a mother of a child with a cleft. Institutions prominently represented include Univ of Miami School of Medicine and Albert Einstein Coll of Medicine.

When a child is born with a cleft lip and/or palate, parents are often left with unanswered questions and a lack of information as to what to do and when to do it. The Cleft Palate Story is a unique and comprehensive book that provides parents with the answers to those questions and helps them to understand and successfully manage the problems associated with their child's cleft.

Inside The Cleft Palate Story, Dr. Samuel Berkowitz describes the different types of clefts, the causes of clefting, and the rehabilitation options. A clear and positive format is used to help parents reduce their anxiety over the unknown but treatable consequences of cleft lip/palate treatment and prepare them for the examinations, medical and dental procedures, and hospital admissions.

The Cleft Palate Story explains the methods used in clinical management, including surgery, orthodontics, and speech and hearing rehabilitative techniques. This generously illustrated book also includes an impressive appendix of valuable resources including information on insurance, finding support groups, and cleft-related publications and videos available on the market.

The Cleft Palate Story prepares parents for the challenges they will face, helps them understand the treatment plan developed by the cleft palate team, and details how this condition can be managed to have a successful outcome.

Michael E. Dunham

This is an informative new book on the care of children with facial clefting. It is written from the perspective of the craniofacial anomalies team and includes contributions from a variety of specialists caring for children with facial clefts. The book is a practical guide for parents of children with facial clefts. It includes detailed, but easily understood, material covering the surgical, dental, speech, and hearing aspects of craniofacial clefting. The book largely meets its overall objective as a handbook and reference for parents and primary care practitioners on this important subject. The book is targeted especially for parents of children with craniofacial clefts. It is, however, also an excellent source of information for primary care practitioners. The contributors are individuals distinguished in this field and include a mother of a child with a craniofacial cleft features. The book includes a number of excellent illustrations and photographs. The most unique feature of the book is its in-depth inclusion of resources for parents of children effected by craniofacial clefting. The list of resources include information on (1) feeding and day-to-day care of infants with facial clefts; (2) financing health care for handicapped children; (3) how to deal with insurance companies; (4) how to find a qualified craniofacial cleft team; (5) what to expect during and after surgery for craniofacial clefting. The chapters on surgical planning and dental orthodontics/orthopedics are particularly noteworthy. These complex and somewhat controversial topics are often confusing for parents and referring primary care physicians. This is a clearly written overview of facial clefting intended forparents. It is also an excellent reference for primary care physicians treating children with facial clefts. Each member of the craniofacial anomalies team explains their contribution to the child's care. The parent is considered an integral part of the team. The book's principle strengths are its in-depth but clearly written material for parents and its inclusion of resources for parents and caretakers of children with facial clefts.

Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Contributing Authors
Preface
Introduction


Chapter 1: When a Child Is Born with a Cleft
Chapter 2: Feeding Your Child
Chapter 3: The Anatomy of Clefts
Chapter 4: The Causes of Clefting
Chapter 5: The Cleft Palate Team
Chapter 6: Preparing for Surgery
Chapter 7: Surgery
Chapter 8: Facial and Dental Concerns
Chapter 9: Speech Concerns
Appendix A: Financial Assistance and Other Resources
Appendix B: Tips on Financing Health Care
Appendix C: Resources for People with Facial Differences
Appendix D: Selected Bibliography of Publications on Cleft Lip and Palate
Appendix E: Glossary

Index