The Diary of Emily Bean

We found out at our 20 week scan that our daughter, Emily Bean, had a cleft lip.  It came as a complete surprise as we had done everything ‘right’ to ensure the best possible start for our child.  A week later we were told, after having a 3D scan, that she, in fact, had a cleft lip and a cleft palate!

So began my wild quest to gather as much info as possible about her condition before she arrived so that I could be as prepared as anyone can be for firstly, your first child, and secondly, a cleft lip and palate baby!

I remember leaving the 3D scan with the advice ringing in my ears: ‘take care of yourself, because the last thing you want is a premature cleft baby’.  Needless to say, Emily was born premature!

This was my baptism of fire into motherhood and the challenges of having a cleft palate baby.

Because of all I have learnt so far, I felt it important to start this blog, so that other cleft parents can benefit from it too.  I think this blog will also serve to help me remember all we (the Emily Bean Team) have been through, because time goes so quickly and one forgets, too soon.  And, lastly, I want to keep this blog, so that Emily can always know that we thought she was beautiful, and precious, and perfect from the start.  This is for you, my darling Beanie.