Behind every smile there’s an extraordinary caregiver

We provide support, practical guidance, community, and resources for cleft-affected families.

Created by parents, for parents.

Take the Course

IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I am Marina and my son was born with a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. On my son’s 2nd birthday, we felt proud — the feeding challenges, NAM, surgeries — phew, we had been through so much as a family. But we also felt a tinge of disappointment. Despite extensive research, we frequently felt like we were on our back foot — often finding the right information a week or two after we needed it. We spent so much of our son’s early years researching and problem solving — rather than enjoying this precious time.

My hope in creating this space is to equip future cleft parents with the practical parenting tips & tricks involved in raising a cleft baby, with the goal of helping babies and their families thrive.

Behind every cleft smile is a beautiful story…

& an extraordinary caregiver.

  • "Behind the Smile made me feel so much less stressed and lost. The course helped me know what to expect instead of feeling alone and clueless. The sample questions at the end of each module were a lifesaver - I used them with doctors through the whole first 2 years of my son's life and they made me feel confident walking into appointments. I’m so glad I took the course."

    SAMPLE - INSERT PARENT NAME HERE

  • Insert quote from parent here. Insert quote from parent here.

    Quote source

  • Insert quote from parent here. Insert quote from parent here.

    Quote source

  • Insert quote from parent here. Insert quote from parent here.

    Quote source

If you're reading this, there's a good chance you recently learned your baby has a cleft. Welcome! I’m glad you found us.

I built Behind the Smile because when I got our diagnosis, I couldn't find what I was looking for. There was clinical information, and there were stories on social media, but there wasn't much in between -- no practical, parent-built guide that walked me through what was coming. So I made one.

Behind the Smile is a small resource hub created by a fellow cleft parent, for parents at the beginning of the journey. It's not medical advice, and it's not a replacement for your care team. It's the parenting resource I wish I'd had when we got the news.

I hope it helps you along your journey.