During a prenatal visit, Lisa, Samuel's mom, was receiving a routine 20-week anatomy scan (ultrasound). She noticed the tech was taking a bit longer than usual and wouldn't answer her questions directly. Instantly, she knew something was wrong with her baby.
The doctor came in and told her, “it appears that his upper lip is not completely formed, and we don't see the connection of the lip. This indicates that the baby may be born with a cleft lip.” With so many questions and concerns, Lisa processed the information and knew she had to get answers to best prepare herself for Samuel's arrival. As a dentist herself, she was familiar with these cases, but even then, she couldn't believe it was happening to her baby.
Lisa and her husband began to research many different hospitals that would be able to provide Samuel the care he needed. It was important for Lisa and her husband to find a doctor that would meet with her to better understand the process and what to expect. She turned to Nicklaus Children's Hospital.
“Everyone at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital was amazing, from the moment I called to make the appointment to the day I was able to meet with Dr. Steinberg,” Lisa recalled. Dr. Jordan Steinberg is the surgical director of the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Program.
Lisa added, “They reassured me that this is something they do often, and I felt I was provided the best care I could have ever found. The team works so closely together and guided me every step of the way.”
Living in Miramar, Lisa had to travel to Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, but it's something she says she would do over again.
Samuel was born and cared for at the birthing hospital. The family then coordinated for his first procedure at Nicklaus Children's Hospital and it was a success. He is now three and talking, eating, meeting milestones and doing all the fun things every three-year-old enjoys doing.
Samuel has undergone two surgeries now, one for repair of his cleft lip, and one for repair of his cleft palate.
“Every patient we treat receives a unique and tailored approach to their care,” said, Dr. Steinberg. “Samuel's mom was a true advocate for her child and taking that initial step to meet with us. Those are the opportunities we are able to offer families to give them the confidence in any aspect of their care here at Nicklaus Children's Hospital.”
For children with a cleft lip and palate diagnosis, many will require multiple surgeries as they grow. Their Nicklaus Children's Hospital multidisciplinary care team is there for them every step of the way.
July is National Cleft Lip and Palate Awareness Month. For more information on the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Craniofacial team and services, visit https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/craniofacial.
