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From the first time Laykin and Chandler met with doctors at Nemours Children’s, they were certain their baby, Maverick, would be in good hands.

Laykin and Chandler’s emotions swirled when they found out during a prenatal appointment that their first child was going to be born with a cleft lip. A cleft lip is a gap or opening in the upper lip. This happens when a baby's lip doesn't form properly early in pregnancy, resulting in a split.

Following this initial diagnosis, their maternal-fetal medicine physician in Panama City recommended that the couple contact the team at the Nemours Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Differences in Orlando.

At just 24 weeks pregnant, Laykin was able to schedule a virtual appointment with Brian Kellogg, MD, chief of plastic surgery at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. Dr. Kellogg spent time with the new parents using video consultation and discussed a care plan tailored to their child’s needs.

In January 2020, baby Maverick had his initial repair procedure for his cleft lip. Nemours specialists are experts in closing the cleft and improving the shape and contour of the upper lip and nose. As a team, they are approved by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. But it’s how Nemours cares for patient families that helped these new parents before, during, and after the most joyful and unexpected part of their lives.

“Dr. Kellogg and the team have continued to check up on Maverick since the surgery,” Laykin said. “The entire process has been amazing for our family.”

Maverick’s parents say they are so thankful. Maverick is growing and talking very well and that Nemours has been with them every step of the way. “We feel like we don’t have to worry about it anymore,” she continued. “And he’s healed so well. It’s hardly even noticeable, and he looks great!”