Parental reactions following the birth of a cleft child

Parental experiences and behaviour following the birth of a cleft child were studied by comparing the results of 2 interview studies conducted at a 7-year interval. The parents of a total of 55 cleft children, most of whom had passed the primary treatment, were interviewed about their psychosocial adaptation, using an interview scheme with the focus on: a) emotional, cognitive and social reactions following birth, b) information-giving and support provided by the medical staff, c) interaction with the cleft child, and d) impact on family life. In both studies, more than 70% of the parents were very shocked at the birth of the cleft child. In the later study, parents more often expressed depression, social avoidance and feelings of guilt. They indicated better psychosocial care and more understanding provided by the medical staff compared to the earlier study. Twice as many parents were satisfied with the information provided by the cleft centre, however, the amount of information had little impact on coping with the shock. In conclusion, further sensitisation of the medical staff with respect to parental coping processes and needs for information and emotional support was called for, along with the inclusion of these topics in the respective curricula.