Cleft Palate

A congenital split in the roof of the mouth, so that nose and mouth form one cavity. The child must be kept upright when fed, and a long teat employed, and the milk poured slowly to the back of the throat. It cannot suck, and the milk is liable to return down the nose. Operation usually takes place before six months old, often at two or three months. The nurse must prepare little bits of sponge fastened on holders. The patient must be kept from speaking or crying; liquid food only; see that no bleeding is going on and no blood being swallowed.