02/06/2026
When a baby is born with a cleft lip or palate, one of the first challenges families can face is feeding.
Something many of us take for granted can become a source of worry, frustration and exhaustion as parents work hard to ensure their baby is getting the nutrition they need to grow.
That's why we're proud to share new research funded by Craniofacial Australia, led by Dr Nitisha Narayan and recently published in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery.
Dr Narayan was Craniofacial Australia's Bristol (UK) Cleft Fellow in 2024, and this research formed part of her Fellowship. Through the Fellowship, she was able to undertake specialised cleft research and training, helping to advance knowledge that will ultimately benefit children and families affected by cleft conditions.
Drawing on data from The Cleft Collective, the United Kingdom's largest cleft research programme, the study examined growth outcomes in children born with cleft lip and/or palate and found that nearly 1 in 3 children experience poor weight gain in early life.
While outcomes have improved significantly over recent decades thanks to specialist cleft services and multidisciplinary care, the research shows that feeding and growth challenges remain a reality for many families.
💙Why does this matter?
Poor weight gain can affect a baby's overall health and development, increase stress and anxiety for parents, and in some cases impact the timing of surgery. The findings highlight the importance of early feeding support, access to specialist cleft teams, and ongoing monitoring during a child's first months of life.
Research like this helps clinicians better understand where support is needed most, identify children who may be at greater risk, and improve care pathways for future families.
Most importantly, it reminds us that beyond numbers, families navigate uncertainty, sleepless nights, feeding concerns and the emotional challenges that can come with a cleft diagnosis.
This important research was made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Every donation helps fund research, education and training opportunities that improve care and outcomes for children living with craniofacial conditions.
A huge congratulations to Dr Narayan and the research team on this important publication and for her ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for children and families affected by cleft conditions 🎉
📖 Read the newly published research:
https://journals.lww.com/jcraniofacialsurgery/abstract/9900/faltering_growth_in_cleft_lip_palate__how_far_have.4143.aspx
💙 Thank you for helping us create a brighter future for children and families affected by craniofacial conditions.
