Mother Learned Her Baby Would Be Born With a Cleft Lip — Then She Discovered She Would Get to Fall in Love With His Smile Twice

When Suzanne attended a routine ultrasound during her second trimester, she received unexpected news about her unborn son.

Doctors discovered that her baby, Miles, had a cleft lip and palate, a congenital condition in which parts of the upper lip and roof of the mouth do not fully join during pregnancy.

Suddenly, Suzanne found herself preparing not only for the arrival of a newborn but also for a medical journey involving specialist care and reconstructive treatment.

An Unexpected Discovery During Pregnancy

Following the ultrasound, Suzanne was referred to Mass General Brigham for an MRI to provide a more detailed assessment of her baby’s condition.

Her family was also connected with Dr. Kavitha Ranganathan, a plastic surgeon and co-director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Center at Shriners Children’s Boston.

Although the diagnosis introduced uncertainty, Suzanne knew that her love for her son had not changed.

Having a specialist team in place before his birth helped the family feel better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Meeting His Surgeon at Just Ten Days Old

Miles attended his first appointment at Shriners Children’s Boston when he was only ten days old.

During that visit, Dr. Ranganathan met with his family and explained the proposed treatment plan.

Children born with a cleft lip and palate often need care extending throughout childhood because the condition can affect feeding, speech, hearing and dental development.

Rather than focusing only on a single operation, the medical team developed a long-term approach to Miles’ care.

More Than Reconstructing a Smile

The hospital’s multidisciplinary team includes plastic surgeons, oral and maxillofacial specialists, orthodontists, speech therapists and other healthcare professionals.

As Miles grows, his development will continue to be monitored so that treatment can be adjusted to his individual needs.

For Suzanne, the consistency of having a trusted medical team has been particularly reassuring.

She praised the specialists for their compassion, communication and willingness to answer the family’s questions.

A Little Boy Who Loves Music and Climbing

When Shriners Children’s shared Miles’ story in February 2026, he was one year old and growing into an energetic toddler.

He loved listening to music, climbing and spending time outdoors with his cousins Grayson, Rosie and Remi.

His mother joked that a mountain of drums would make his perfect day.

Miles also enjoyed water activities, especially splashing around, and his family was looking forward to more summer adventures together.

These everyday moments helped Suzanne appreciate that her son’s life was about far more than his medical diagnosis.

A Mother’s Message About Loving Her Child’s Smile Twice

Reflecting on their experience, Suzanne wanted other parents receiving a cleft diagnosis to know that their initial fears and uncertainty were understandable.

She explained that families have an opportunity to cherish their child’s original smile and then celebrate it again as treatment progresses.

For her, the journey had brought not only medical challenges but also a deeper appreciation of her son’s personality and the support surrounding him.

Miles will continue receiving specialist follow-up as he grows, but his family is already enjoying the childhood moments that make him uniquely himself.

Source: Shriners Children’s, February 19, 2026 — Comprehensive Craniofacial Care at Shriners Children’s Boston: Miles’ Story.