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 you. References: • NHS website Amniocentesis: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/amniocentesis/ • Etymology: https://www.etymonline.com/word/amniocentesis • Epidemiology of non-syndromic and syndromic clefts: - Mossey PA, Modell B. Epidemiology of oral clefts 2012: an international perspective. Front Oral Biol. 2012;16:1-18. doi: 10.1159/000337464. Epub 2012 Jun 25. PMID: 22759666. - Calzolari E, Pierini A, Astolfi G, Bianchi F, Neville AJ, Rivieri F. Associated anomalies in multi-malformed infants with cleft lip and palate: An epidemiologic study of nearly 6 million births in 23 EUROCAT registries. Am J Med Genet A. 2007 Mar 15;143A(6):528-37. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31447. PMID: 17286264. • NHS website Screening tests: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/screening-tests/

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 also shares what inspired her to write her book and support other families in the cleft community.

• Charlotte's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyssupersmile/
• Charlotte's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@angrytwinmom
• News article: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/midland-mum-didnt-recognise-baby-33807595

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.nth.nhs.uk/resources/colostrum-harvesting/
• NHS Cleft teams: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cleft-lip-and-palate/treatment/
• Callie and her cleft (scroll down on the page):
• https://clapa.com/support-and-community/for-parents-and-families/antenatal-diagnosis/
• Jack's new smile: https://amzn.to/4tVoRqc
• Birth and baby with a cleft: https://healthtalk.org/experiences/cleft-lip-and-palate/birth-and-bonding/
• Ina May's Guide to childbirth: https://amzn.to/4teDpB3
• Facebook group CLAPA: https://www.facebook.com/groups/clapacommunity

Contains some affiliate links

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 help you feel understood, supported, and a little less alone.

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 confident.

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, comfort, and the reminder that you are not alone.