I’m Alexandra and when I was pregnant with my little boy Lucas back in 2019, I found out at our 20 weeks scan that he had a unilateral cleft lip and palate. This was scary as new parents. Our precious little miracle was going to look different to other babies, and we would have lots of challenges and surgeries to go through.
On 4th August 2019, Lucas was born and there was his big bold cleft on his little face. In that moment, I knew he couldn’t be any more perfect. I loved his cleft, and it will always be part of who he is.
Lucas as a baby
Lucas had his lip repair at three months old and palate repair at six months old. He smashed both surgeries, and his speech is developing so well. Now that we’ve gone through these things, I don’t know why I was so scared, although a fear of the unknown is natural. Children are so resilient and often get through things better than we do as parents.
I do worry about what Lucas may experience as he gets older and kids at school notice his difference. I hate the thought of people staring at him or making fun of him. All I can do is show him how loved he is, and that his family is always here to support him.
He’s a funny and kind little boy, and I don’t want him to ever hold back from being himself.
The scar on Lucas’ lip is a reminder of just how brave he is each day. When I found out about Lucas having a cleft whilst pregnant, I was also diagnosed with a submucous cleft palate that had been missed my whole life, so it became very apparent that his cleft was genetic. We were both diagnosed with Van Der Woude syndrome, which is the most common cause of cleft lip and palate.
No matter what life throws at us, we are stronger together and tougher than ever. I love matching with my little boy, and I can share all his experiences as we go through life together.
My hope for the future is that Lucas learns to love himself exactly as he is. I want him to feel positive about his cleft, as it makes him extra special. He’s a funny and kind little boy, and I don’t want him to ever hold back from being himself.
He will always be my special miracle, and I am forever grateful that he is mine.
