Today we met with plastic surgeons to discuss timelines and what steps will need to be taken to correct the lip and palate.
He will need a NAM device (Nasoalveolar Molding) to help mold and shape the palate so that it will be easier to close once that surgery comes up. So that pushes his lip repair back to 4 or 5 months instead of 3 months.
We also have to tape his lip to help stretch it and force it to grow closer together to make the lip repair go a little smoother.
Our next step is to meet with the Orthodontist to get Edmund fitted for his NAM which will require us to go to Children's hospital once a week to have the device adjusted. We will have to tape his lip continuously until the lip repair.
It's so frustrating to see him like this because he looks so sad and uncomfortable. He's not taking his bottle like he normally does but they told us that was normal for the first couple days.
The good news is that it can all be fixed! Yes it's going to be a stressful year of Drs appointments and at least 2 surgeries plus followups. I know it will all be worth it in the end and I'm just really glad that he won't remember any of it.
Re: Edmund update
So happy to hear that you have a plan and it is something they can fix. Stay strong Ciara! Is the Orthodontist with Children's too? I didn't know they did Orthodontics.
Yay for good news! I'm so sorry that you're having to tape his lip, it's awful seeing your baby uncomfortable and I can only imagine how hard it is for you both.Does he have to have it taped 24/7 or just x amount of hours a day?
It's wonderful that it can all be fixed. That is such great news! I hope that the year of appointments and surgeries go by quickly!
hopefully he will adjust to the tape and will start eating well again. I think his little peach fuzz hair is so cute!
I'm going to make an AWESOME big brother.
Keep us posted and take good care of your self as well! He's going to be jsut fine.
I am so sorry, I hope this is as painless as possible for all of you! I am sure your mommy heart hurts so bad! Stay strong!!!
Poor little guy! But, it seems like you have a good attitude/outlook about it and that will really make a big difference for him. Even as babies they pick up on how we react, if you stay strong and stay positive, so will he.
Good luck to you guys, it must be so hard to watch your baby go through that. But, totally fixable is an awesome thing!
I wanted to say the exact same thing as Alli. You have an amazing and positive attitude. Your positivity is going to help not only you get through the surgeries and follow-up appointments, but it is going to get your little man through all of this too.
Good luck, sweet mama! He is a beautiful baby!
The only Easter Bunny I can get behind.
Maxwell Joseph 4/09 Lucy Violet 10/12