Because behind every smile, there’s an extraordinary caregiver

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

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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 engaging with him and 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."

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