Experiences of Couples Caring for a Child Born with Cleft Lip and/or Palate: Impact of the Timing of Diagnosis

Abstract

Raising a child born with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) can be challenging for parents. Few researchers have examined how having a child born with CL/P impacts couples. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to examine how a child’s CL/P diagnosis affects couples’ adjustment and their relationship. We conducted interviews with 17 couples (10 prenatal and 7 postnatal) caring for children born with CL/P. After conducting thematic content analysis, six overarching themes emerged: (1) relationship growth, (2) challenges, (3) roles and responsibilities, (4) sources of support, (5) talking about cleft, and (6) lessons learned. Findings suggest couples should be routinely assessed for psychosocial issues and prevention programs should be tailored to pre-existing stressors and timing of the diagnosis.