for Stephanie
Cris Coffey (CCOFFEY@rugs.bry.indiana.edu)
Wed, 27 Mar 1996 09:00:32 EST5
Stephanie,
Brandon is my only child and I'm almost afraid to become pregnant
again. My first pregnancy was such a nightmare. But your daughter
does sound an awful lot like Brandon, especially feeding times and
sleeping times once out of the womb.
Have you considered physical therapy for Kristen? It's wonderful!
Children's therapy is like an hour of play time for your child.
Brandon started out going to therapy twice each week. He had two
therapists working together with him and all they did was play for an
hour. The method of play was what helped him along. They used all
sorts of special toys to get him to use different muscle groups, and
they actually had to "teach" him that he could use some of his
muscles. They also taught his daddy and me some things to do for him
at home during play time, and it was those things they showed us that
let to his rolling over for the first time! We coaxed him with a toy
and basically put his arms in the correct position, and his legs, and
encouraged him to do it on his own. When he finally did it was a
big celebration. He was eventually cut back to therapy once each
week, then back to once every two weeks. After 6 months of physical
therapy, he was as normal as the next child, and actually walked a
month after his therapy ended.
If Kristen is not in physical therapy, you might want to discuss it
with your pediatrician. Brandon was so lifeless and limp, but it was
like a miracle the way he "took off" developmentally after therapy
began. We could see changes almost immediately.
I wouldn't worry about her comparing herself to her brother. It
sounds as if he was an exceptional child, doing most things before
other children--walking at 9 months is quite an accomplishment! And
Kristen will always know she was a special child, and that everything
she achieves she will have come by the hard way--by lots of work and
effort on her part. That might make her feel even stronger knowing
that she struggled so hard and eventually won!
Again, I'd definitely inquire with your pediatrician about physical
therapy if she's not already doing it. It could make all the
difference in the world, and seeing progress as a result will ease
your worries. I know from experience! Let me know how things
progress.
Cris