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Not Lifting Head

jennbentjennbent member
in Preemies

So we had our regularly scheduled PT appointment this morning.  DS has been going every few weeks now for a flat spot and mild torticollis that was noted at the NICU clinic a couple of months ago.  The good news is that the PT said his flat spot/torticollis has resolved itself to the point that she's not worried about it anymore.  The bad news is that she's somewhat concerned that DS isn't really attempting to hold his head up during tummy time, nor is he bearing any weight on his forearms yet.  He just kind of lays there and gets mad.  He *can* turn his head from side to side, but usually just lays there and does a face plant.  He has good head control while we hold him and while sitting in a Bumbo seat, so apparently it's just tummy time that's the problem.  He's 12 weeks adjusted now and she said this is something that they want to see by about 2-2.5 months.  She wants us to get into more regular PT - like every week, so we'll probably go ahead and do it through EI so I don't have to take him to the germy facility every week. 

I left feeling kind of depressed about it.  I know being born 12 weeks early is going to have some consequences - it's just the reality of the situation.  But at the same time, the internet is also full of *full-term* moms worried that their 3 month olds aren't holding their heads up either.  His PT said I don't need to be overly concerned about it yet, but she wants me to stay on top of it.  Anyone have any words of wisdom/similar experiences you can share?  TIA!

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Re: Not Lifting Head

  • jennbentjennbent member
    imageBostonKisses2:

    We were in your shoes a while ago.  Try not to feel down about it!  It's a preventative measure, and getting weekly PT will make a big difference.  Remember that there's a range of normal for milestones, so even though they like to see something by a specific age it can happen after the target age.

    Our PT was really good about telling us if something was becoming a concern, and we would change up our weekly and quarterly goals accordingly.

    Sigh.  Thanks Boston.  I just called EI to get that ball rolling.  I see that Judith is STANDING in your photo, so obviously you overcame the tummy time issue.  LOL My mom told me not to worry or be down about it either, but it's nice to hear it from another preemie mom who's been there, done that. 

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  • thishappyhousethishappyhouse member

    Im sorry that you left feeling discouraged.  It all feels heavy at unexpected moments as a preemie mom, doesnt it?  

    FWIW my DD hated her tummy too and didnt show alot of interest in raising her head off the floor.   Like your baby she did have great head control when she was seated or upright.  

    Im a huge fan of EI.  I think your PT is doing the right thing by suggesting that you continue to receive services even thought his torticollis is resolved.   

     

     Im sure your new PT will have lots of suggestions but some things that really helped my daughter were:

    Doing Tummy Time on an excersize ball.  She tolerated this better because by putting pressure/support on her tush I could adjust the incline to help ease some of the gravity.  

    My mom (who is a PT) bought us this swing that helped alot https://www.wingbousa.com/

     Even just providing a small bolster under her chest made of a wrapped up receiving blanket helped her.   

     

    mom to V; 25 weeker born at 1lb 7oz
    Lilypie Premature Baby tickers

    www.virginiakkent.blogspot.com

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  • jennbentjennbent member
    imagethishappyhouse:

    Im sorry that you left feeling discouraged.  It all feels heavy at unexpected moments as a preemie mom, doesnt it?  

    FWIW my DD hated her tummy too and didnt show alot of interest in raising her head off the floor.   Like your baby she did have great head control when she was seated or upright.  

    Im a huge fan of EI.  I think your PT is doing the right thing by suggesting that you continue to receive services even thought his torticollis is resolved.   

     

     Im sure your new PT will have lots of suggestions but some things that really helped my daughter were:

    Doing Tummy Time on an excersize ball.  She tolerated this better because by putting pressure/support on her tush I could adjust the incline to help ease some of the gravity.  

    My mom (who is a PT) bought us this swing that helped alot https://www.wingbousa.com/

     Even just providing a small bolster under her chest made of a wrapped up receiving blanket helped her.   

     

     Oh my gosh that swing is great!  Thank you so, so much for giving me the link.  I had no idea something like that existed.  I may have to see about getting one for DS.  Also, I never even thought of an exercise ball before.  All great suggestions.  Thank you so much!  It's wonderful to hear from another micropreemie mom.  :-)

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