A nurse is caring for an infant who received a cheiloplasty. Which of the following interprofessional team members should the nurse recommend the parents collaborate with?

A. Speech pathologist: Infants who undergo cheiloplasty (surgical repair of a cleft lip) may experience difficulties with feeding, swallowing, and later speech development. Collaboration with a speech pathologist ensures the infant receives guidance on feeding techniques and early intervention for speech and language development. B. Facility chaplain: While a chaplain can provide emotional and spiritual support to the family, they are not directly involved in the infant’s functional outcomes related to cheiloplasty. Their role is supportive rather than interventional for feeding or speech development. C. Physical therapist: Physical therapy is not typically indicated after cheiloplasty unless there are unrelated musculoskeletal concerns. It does not address the primary needs related to feeding or speech associated with cleft lip repair. D. Orthopedic specialist: An orthopedic specialist manages musculoskeletal conditions and would not be involved in the care or rehabilitation of an infant following cleft lip repair unless there were unrelated orthopedic issues.