Now, through a new hospital program, parents can learn:
"We want parents to know that they're not alone.
We're here to help your baby get appropriate treatment,"
she says.
Children with cleft palates may require follow-up
surgery later in life if they develop speech difficulties, like
excessively nasal speech. Ms. Castle is trained to perform
a video palatogram, a 15-minute test that shows surgeons
which part of the child's palate needs adjustment.
Previously, these tests were available only in Dallas.
Ms. Castle wants area OB/GYNs and pediatricians to
know these services are available in Amarillo. "It is
rewarding to see these children grow up and have good
speech outcomes," she says.
A baby should be about 10 weeks old and weigh
10 pounds for cleft lip surgery, and between 9 and
12 months old for cleft palate surgery.
To learn about treatment options at Northwest for children
with cleft lips or palates, please call 
NEW HOSPITAL PROGRAM
Cleft Lip/Palate Counseling Arrives
at Northwest
Program Helps Parents Learn, Kids Thrive
Cleft lip or palate -- an opening in the upper lip or palate of
an infant's mouth, respectively -- occurs in about 1 in 750
births. Children born with clefts have long had advanced
surgical care at Northwest Texas Healthcare System for
these common, very treatable conditions.
Program Director Ginger Castle, a speech pathologist,
partners with parents to review treatment options, answer
questions and address concerns. She also helps coordinate
the child's care team, which could consist of specialists
in ENT/audiology, plastic surgery, speech pathology and
other disciplines.
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1501 S. Coulter, Amarillo, TX 79106 (806) 354-1000 |
