Your questions answered

My baby has been born with a craniofacial condition. I'm worried about what he will have to face as he grows up.

During the first few months of your baby's life, you will probably experience a mixture of emotions - joy, shock, happiness, uncertainty, and sadness not to mention exhaustion as you adjust, not only to being a parent, but also to unexpected hospital visits, strange medical terms and other people's reactions to your baby. Your feelings are very natural in this situation and will be shared by many parents whose child is born with a visible difference.

It is normal for every parent to be thinking ahead about their child's future. Your concerns may be along the lines of: What will happen when my child goes to school? Will he / she fit in? Will he / she be teased? Will he / she be able to do everything that other children do? How will we cope with other people's reactions to his / her appearance?

At this stage, it is hard to predict precisely what the future holds but we can reassure you that it is possible to adjust successfully to living with a visible difference. Right now, you might find it helpful to find out about the support services that are available to you and your family from the hospital to which you have been referred, as well as craniofacial support groups like Headlines, the Craniofacial Support Group and Contact A Family.

Changing Faces' Children and Young People's Service can offer a listening ear and talk through your concerns. We can also help you and your child to develop strategies to handle difficult situations. Our school specialist can advise you throughout your child's schooling and we have a young person's specialist who can offer support during the teenage years.