Common consequences of cleft include feeding problems. The children cannot drink milk due to the cleft lip, have problems swallowing, or food can pass through the cleft palate and come out of the nose. Many babies become sickly and some even die because they cannot drink enough mother’s milk or baby formula. Many cleft children suffer social isolation and feel hesitation going to school because of their appearance and false beliefs many people have about cleft, such as that it is a punishment for a sin by the child or the parents. Untreated cleft children also have speech and hearing problems, which make it harder for them to be social with other children or participate in school. This means that without treatment, they face a life where many everyday things are harder or impossible for them.
The good news is that cleft can be treated very well, and that we offer free treatment to all poor Bangladeshis!
