Will I get a visit from CleftPALS SA?

Just because your baby is born with a cleft lip and/or palate it doesn't mean that we at CleftPALS SA are immediately told.  Therefore, the answer to this is 1) do you want a visit, and 2) if yes, where and when do you want the visit? You don't need to be a member of CleftPALS SA to get an initial visit. 

The nursing staff may have our contact details to pass on to you, but they won't necessarily offer that information, you may have to ask for it.

I had to ask back in 1996 for a nurse to contact CleftPALS for me.  Then a member came out to speak with me and my husband, and could answer a few of our questions. Not all of them, of course, as none of us are experts at this.  Of course, it's also noted on this site that when the mother did come out, she was so intimidated by it all that she actually put my husband and I off the whole CleftPALS idea. 

I'd like to think that the two Contact Parents we currently have - Carly for northern hospitals/ visits and myself for southern hospitals/visits are a lot more relaxed and open about the whole thing.  Again, we won't know everything and you shouldn't expect that we would, as we are just mothers hoping to share the information and experiences we have with you. 

We cannot recommend hospital systems either, but you should know that the Flinders Medical Centre and the Australian CranioFacial Unit tackle clefts differently.  Before you settle on the course for your child you might like to investigate the differences and see which one suits you best.   That's about all I can and will say on the matter.

A visit to the hospital can always make the parents a little more comfortable, as you are not inviting a stranger into your home, and you don't need to worry about the state of the house! :) 

On the other hand, some hospital stays are so fast these days that you may not have time for us to visit you while you're in the hospital.  You may also feel more relaxed in your own surroundings.  Either way, you don't need to worry about the state of the house!

If you'd like to speak to us prior to the birth of your baby because you already know your baby will carry a cleft, we are available at morning teas or you can arrange a visit from us.

Simply click on this link and send me an email. Depending on which side of town you're on, one of us will call you to arrange the mutually convenient appointment. 

If you are a single mum and you don't have anyone to share this journey with, please feel free to contact me and I will do all I can to help you and be with you during your appointments (my schedule permitting). 

When we visit you we can bring along our initial pack that has what CleftPALS SA is about, what information sheets you can get hold of (sorry, members only due to costs), what events you can attend (non-members always welcome), and other information that might help you decide if CleftPALS SA is a group you'd like to be part of.

So, I guess the next thing to discuss is... how to join :)