Navigating New Beginnings: Carver’s First Steps in His Cleft Journey

In our last post, I shared the whirlwind of emotions and healing that came with those first postpartum weeks. Just as we were starting to settle into life at home with Carver, it was time to take on the next big chapter: his cleft care journey. From meeting his care team to learning the ins and outs of his NAM device, these first few weeks have been a lot, but also incredibly hopeful.

After we were discharged from the hospital, Dr. K (Carver’s surgeon) came to visit and told us to schedule a follow-up for the next week. At just one week old, Carver was fitted for his NAM (Nasoalveolar Molding) device. It’s a custom-made, acrylic piece, similar to an orthodontic retainer, that he’ll wear continuously until his first surgery. The goal is to reshape his gums, lips, and nose, helping to close the gap in his gumline and palate, and improve alignment before surgery.

Carver will get the nose piece eventually. It hasn't been placed quite yet

During the fitting, we were asked to step out of the room while they molded his palate. The staff told us afterward that Carver did incredibly well, and he wasn’t even phased by it! But even knowing that, it was still a lot for my postpartum emotions to process. We were just getting the hang of feeding him, and now we had to introduce this big change. I cried a lot that day.

Now, every Monday we travel to Iowa City for Carver’s appointments. At his second visit, the dental team showed us how to insert the device and taught us how to make and apply the steri-strips (taped pieces that attach from a rubber band on the NAM to his cheeks). It was another emotional day. I hated seeing something so large in his tiny mouth, especially when he’s so little. The learning curve felt massive and overwhelming.

We've become pros at making these!

Thankfully, I’ve been in contact with three other cleft lip moms, each of them reached out to me and I’m so incredibly grateful. Over the last few weeks, they’ve been walking me through what to expect, what products have helped, and most importantly, how to manage all the emotions. Their guidance has meant everything, especially since their babies also used NAM devices just like Carver’s.

It looks so uncomfortable but, he doesn't really seem to mind it and it helps with his feedings

We’re now four weeks into the NAM journey, and we’re all doing so much better. We’ve been reassured that we can remove the device, especially at night if needed. Still, Carver’s dentist, Dr. G, has emphasized that he should wear it during feedings, as that’s when it works best, applying pressure to help reshape the palate. Each week, Dr. G makes tiny adjustments to the device, which is why the weekly visits are so important. We’re incredibly thankful we live close enough to make that possible.

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come since those first two weeks. We’ve learned so much, and Carver has proven to be so strong already. We’re beyond proud of him. I’m finally starting to see how one day, I’ll be able to support other moms just starting this same journey.

The progression picture! It amazes us how much its already moved! Our strong boy

In just two weeks, we’ll be scheduling Carver’s first surgery, which will likely happen when he’s five to six months old. We’re so excited to finally have a date on the horizon. It feels like the first big step in a long journey, and we’re ready.

Next up: We get a surgery date (!!) and dive deeper into what the coming months will look like for Carver’s cleft repair. Thank you for being on this journey with us! Your support means everything.