1. Prevent Airway Blockage
It is not known what causes Pierre Robin syndrome, so there is no known way to prevent the condition. Awareness of the dangers the condition presents, however, can prevent some of the complications. The most dangerous complication of Pierre Robin syndrome is airway obstruction. The tongue can retract into the airway of babies with this condition and obstruct breathing. This can cause hypoxia (low blood oxygen), brain damage or even death. In some cases, the micrognathia (small jaw) is so pronounced that the airway is obstructed from birth. In these cases, a nasal breathing tube or intubation is necessary. In the most severe cases, a tracheostomy (hole in the windpipe) is required to maintain the airway. Typically, laying your baby on his stomach and making sure he does not roll over while sleeping is enough to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway. If you are concerned about leaving your baby while sleeping, there are baby breathing monitors you can buy that will alert you when breathing has slowed or stopped.
2. Prevent Malnutrition
The cleft palate caused by Pierre Robin syndrome causes problems with feeding. Babies cannot create the vacuum in their mouths needed to suck milk through a normal nipple. Since they cannot feed normally, malnutrition is a possible complication of the condition. Cutting a hole or crosscut in the tips of the nipples can make it easier for your baby to feed. You should always feed your baby in an upright position to keep the milk out of her nose. Keep track of how much your baby eats and how much weight she gains. If she is not getting enough nourishment from bottle-feeding, you may have to consider tube feeding. Once the cleft palate surgery is over, feeding should no longer be an issue.
3. Prevent Psychological Effects
When a child is born with a birth defect, psychological effects can occur. When children feel as though they don't fit in, it can negatively affect their self-esteem. The best thing parents can do to prevent the psychological effects of Pierre Robin syndrome is get treatment as soon as possible. If your child requires jaw-lengthening surgery, it's best if that is done when your child is between 2 and 4 years old, so he doesn't have to go to school with a facial malformation.
Additionally, cleft palates often cause speech impediments. It's best to get speech therapy for your child as soon as possible. Avoid treating your child differently than other children. After treatment, your child will look normal on the outside. You'll also want her to feel normal on the inside.
