Neonatal Development Evaluation ...

busybea

We just received a letter in the mail that both boys have an appointment on Jan 18.  It's a program that is run through Florida's Early Steps.  Apparently this is sent out to all children that spent time in the NICU.  From the looks of it, they will run tests on both boys to recognize if they run a risk of developmental delays.  I can definitely understand the need for this and truly appreciate that this program is available, but i'm a tad upset that they would send out a reminder 2 whole months ahead of time.  This means 2 whole months of worry.  I called up my pediatrician and she advised me not to worry (yeah, right!) because if the hospital had seen anything abnormal, I would have already had this apt.  So the fact that they want to see the boys much later is a good sign...

Have any of you MoM's experienced a test of this kind? and what can I/the boys expect?

preheatedoven

I've surprised they are doing it that early. Our NICU does follow-up at 6 months adjusted, 18 and 30 months adjusted. I wouldn't worry about it at all. Our LOs came back as a bit behind in motor skills, but every child meets milestones at different ages.

At our appointment it was just like playtime, the babies rolled around and played and they took notes on movement, etc. It was quick, but the two stupid questionnaires I had to do ahead of time were a pain in the rump.

txdaisygal

Do not worry. The hospital I delivered at has a similar program. Our first appointment was a few days after their due date. They were born at 34w5d so they were about 6 weeks old and they were doing great. Our next appt is next week - 3 mo. after their due date. We'll have another at 6 mo after and at 1 year. I really enjoyed our first appointment. They checked their reflexes and things like that. They also track their weight for their adjusted age which I really like because my ped does it by actual age. The doctor gave me different exercise/massage type things that I can do with them. I enjoy it a lot more than I do the regular pediatrician appts.

busybea

oh good!  Thank you ladies, I was starting to worry.