Isolated cleft palate differs genetically from cleft lip. Mild forms of cleft palate include sub-mucosal clefts, pharyngeal incompetence and bifid uvula. Cleft lip, with or without cleft palate, is found in newborns with trisomy 13 syndrome, holoprosencephaly (median cleft lip), and amnion rupture sequence. Newborns with a cleft lip or palate require genetic evaluation and plastic surgery. Because of feeding difficulties, the mothers of these infants may benefit from lactation consultation and occupational therapy.