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Behind the Smile Class 

By parents, for parents - an online course to help you and your cleft-affected child thrive.

Behind every cleft smile is a beautiful story & an extraordinary caregiver

By parents, for parents - an online course and caring community to help you and your cleft-affected child thrive.

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Course Overview
this class will walk you through:
  • Your family's journey from diagnosis to 18 months — What to expect throughout the journey to help you feel prepared.
  • Firsthand learnings from other parents — Honest lessons, real-life insights, and "wish I'd known" reflections from fellow cleft parents.
  • Practical prep tips for baby's arrival — From must-have baby gear to hospital bag checklists & navigating the first days at home.
  • Feeding & soothing parenting tips — Trusted advice on bottles, pacifiers, introducing solids, and open-cup transitions for cleft-affected babies.
  • Navigating pre-surgical care & surgery — Understanding taping, NAMs, surgical timing, and how to support your baby’s healing.

  • Additional insights — High-level overview of neonatal teeth, reflux, ears, speech, sleep apnea, dry lips, etc.

What’s Inside

This course provides a clear roadmap through your child’s first two years – packed full of practical parenting tips & tricks

Module 1

Resources, Conversations & Support

This module provides an extensive list of resources, ideas for navigating difficult conversations, and general information.

Module 2

Prenatal Appointments, Birth, Year 1-2 Overview

This module addresses the many questions parents face after learning the diagnosis and provides information on what you can expect in the first years.

Module 3

How to Prepare

This module provides a high-level overview of how to prepare for your baby’s arrival.

Module 4

Infant Milk & Pacifiers

This module reviews the cleft bottles and many of the basic questions parents face about feeding their baby and navigating pacifiers.

Module 5

Solids & Cups

This module provides an overview of introducing solids and provides tips & tricks for transitioning to cups, including straws.

Module 6

Pre-surgical Interventions

This module provides an overview of the pre-surgical interventions and outlines tips and tricks for managing each one. 

Module 7

Surgery

This module shares tips and tricks for navigating lip and palate repair surgery.

Module 8

Additional Topics

This module provides information on Teeth, Reflux, Ears, Speech, Sleep Apnea, Dry Lips.

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