Management of cleft lip and palate: a team approach.

Cleft lip and/or palate is a common congenital malformation. The initial management of the affected infant and family begins in the delivery suite in the hands of the family physician. With patient, informed psychosocial counselling, the family should be told the origin of the malformation, practical tips on managing their child, especially feeding and attending to middle ear infections, and the work of the cleft lip and palate team. The family physician is a vital member of this team, as he is able to advocate for the best interests of the child and family.