Actually, cleft lip/palate is hereditary.
My youngest child was born with a unilateral cleft lip. Palate is fine. There are birth family members with a cleft lip as well. Surgery was done at 6 months, and the surgeon did an amazing job.
Speech is an issue, but we do receive speech therapy once per month. We have to keep a close eye on his teeth as well. Braces will be in our son's future for sure, although they do look fantastic to me.
We do appointments usually twice yearly at the children's hospital 4 hours away so that they can keep an eye on his teeth. He also had recurring ear infections and is now on his second set of tubes.
I wouldn't hesitate to adopt another child with a cleft.
Hope that helps.
