(Fwd) Physiotherapy and premmy babies
Sally Edsall (SEDSALL@nswtf.org.au)
Fri, 29 Mar 1996 12:03:28 GMT+10
I would like to endorse the experiences some have had with
physiotherapy and their premature babies.
Ben started seeing a physio when he came home from hospital (39
weeks), and continued until just after his first birthday when he
was walking.
Chris, the physio, is a specialist in pediatric physio. She sees
many, many older children, in their early school years, who are
experiencing difficulties in either behaviour or learning. Many of
them are unable to concentrate, or deal inappropriately with
situations.
Chris, and Ben's pediatrician put forward the theory that most very
premature babies never experience the confines of the "foetal
position" in the uterus, and never get the exercise involved in
pushing against the uterine walls, experiencing resistance etc.
One extremely common feature exhibited in premmies, is they arch
upwards and backwards when distressed and crying, and have difficulty
in curling their back into the classis "baby clenching fists and
drawing knees up" position. Anyone else recognise that?
The benefits that Ben had from physio seem to be enormous. Instead of
lashing out , arms flaying in frustration when something was wrong,
he seems to be able to control and "centre" himself much more
efficiently.
Also, contrary to the advice hospitals give that premmies often feel
more comfortable tightly wrapped, or swaddled, Ben totally rejected
that, and that seems not uncommon too. Chris taught us some
techniques to cope with colic which didn't involve wrapping.
I really believe that the hyper world of the NICU - beeps, buzzers,
phones, lights on all the time, people walking past, medical
interventions etc etc etc , combined with the interrupted experience
of security and development in utero must play a huge part in our
babies' start to life. For us, physio seemed to have really positive
outcomes.
Sally