The Cleft Mama Podcast

In this very first Ask The Cleft Mama Q&A, I'm answering some of the questions I've been asked most often by parents in the cleft community. I talk about: 💛 The hardest part of receiving my baby's diagnosis 🍼 Preparing for feeding and harvesting colostrum 📚 Where to find trustworthy cleft information (and why I'd avoid Google!) 😊 When things started to feel easier 🍼 Which bottles I'd recommen...

In this second episode exploring the work of the Cleft Collective, I take a closer look at three fascinating research studies that are already helping shape the future of cleft care. We discuss: 🧬 Whether giving more antibiotics after cleft palate surgery reduces the risk of fistulas. 🧬 Why left- and right-sided clefts may not be as similar as we once thought. 🧬 What research tells us about the...

You may have heard about the Cleft Collective shortly after your diagnosis or after your baby was born, but what exactly is it? In this episode, I explain the UK's Cleft Collective research programme, the largest cleft lip and palate research study in the world. We cover what information is collected, why researchers are interested in biological samples and questionnaires, how the CRANE database f...

In this episode, I'm joined by Rachael Reedman, mum to Anya, who was born with a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. Rachael shares her experience of receiving a prenatal cleft diagnosis, the emotional impact of the language that was used, and how that shaped her pregnancy journey. We discuss her work helping train sonographers, improving the way diagnoses are communicated, and why giving par...

Lip surgery can feel like one of the biggest milestones on the cleft journey. In this episode, I share everything I'd learned from my son's cleft lip repair. From preparing in the weeks beforehand, packing for hospital, and navigating the day of surgery, to feeding, pain relief, wound care, and recovery afterwards. This episode combines advice from our cleft team, my own research, and our family's...

In this episode, I speak with Ashleigh Baker from Indiana, USA, who was born with a cleft lip and palate and went on to become a nurse. Ashleigh shares her memories of surgeries, speech therapy, growing up with a visible cleft, and finding lifelong friendships through a craniofacial summer camp. We also talk about her work with Smile Asia, where she travels to underserved communities to help child...

In this episode, I'm joined by Tiffany Pritchard, who shares her experience of growing up with a cleft lip and palate. We talk about surgeries, speech therapy, confidence, school life, and how her cleft affected her growing up — but also how she eventually found her voice through performing arts, television, radio, and advocacy work. Tiffany shares honest and encouraging insights for both parents...

Feeding a baby with a cleft can feel overwhelming at first — especially when it comes to choosing the right bottle. In this episode, I walk you through the most commonly used bottles for babies with a cleft, including MAM squeezy bottles, Dr Brown's bottles, and other alternatives. I explain how they work, why to use them, and what to consider when trying to find the right option for your baby. We...

In this episode, I'm joined by Kate Stapley, mum to Harry, who was born with a cleft lip. Kate shares her journey from a difficult pregnancy and receiving a cleft diagnosis at the 20-week scan, through to surgery and the emotional process that followed. We talk openly about guilt, uncertainty, and the grieving process, as well as the moment she fell in love with her son's "forever smile". Kate als...

After a cleft diagnosis at the 20-week scan, many parents are offered an amniocentesis — but this can feel like a big and difficult decision. In this episode, I explain what amniocentesis is, why it is offered, what it can (and can't) tell you, and the risks involved. We also talk about how common syndromic clefts are and how to approach this deeply personal decision in a way that feels right for...

In this episode, I'm joined by Charlotte Hall, mum of four and author of Lily's Super Smile . Charlotte shares her journey from receiving a cleft diagnosis at the 20-week scan through pregnancy, birth, feeding challenges, and her daughter's surgeries. We talk honestly about the emotional impact, the realities of feeding and weight gain, and how things changed once her daughter arrived. Charlotte a...

In this episode, I walk you through practical steps you can take after a cleft lip and/or palate diagnosis, whether you are still pregnant or your baby has already been born. From harvesting colostrum and connecting with your cleft team to preparing for birth, feeding, and setting up support, this episode focuses on what actually helps in those early stages. NHS Colostrum harvesting: https://www.n...

In this episode, I talk about what it really feels like to receive a cleft lip and/or palate diagnosis. From shock and guilt to the fear of the unknown, I share my own experience and the emotions many parents go through in those early days. I also touch on the challenges of telling others and navigating unhelpful reactions. If you're at the beginning of your cleft journey, this episode is here to...

In this episode, I explain what a cleft lip and palate actually is, including the different types of clefts and the terminology you might hear along the way. I also give a simple overview of how clefts are treated, to help you better understand your baby's condition. If you're feeling overwhelmed by medical terms or unsure what everything means, this episode will help you feel more informed and co...

In this first episode, I share my personal journey from pregnancy to where we are now at four months, just ahead of my baby's first surgery. From the moment of diagnosis at the 20-week scan to the early days after birth, I talk honestly about the emotions, challenges, and what helped me along the way. If you're at the beginning of your cleft journey, I hope this episode brings you reassurance, com...