Anyone not agree with NICU evaluation?
DD went to her NICU evaluation which they do at NYU at 6 months (corrected age). They basically said that she is absolutely fine and needs no early intervention. I'm just not sure if I agree with that. She'll be 9 months old at the end of this month (actual) and she shows no interest in rolling over in either direction, has no interest in solids, can't sit up without a lot of support, etc. I realize that they base her milestones on her adjusted age of 6 mos, but I still feel like she should be a little further ahead even by that standard. Cognitively she is very bright and socially she is the life of the party, I'll give her that! But gross and fine motor-wise, she just ain't there, folks. Do they not see that? Any advice? Thanks!
(I should also mention that she was severe IUGR)
Re: Anyone not agree with NICU evaluation?
It is a fine line, for sure, because while she is 8 months old, you have to account for those 8 weeks she was early. It is so hard to not compare what babies are doing that are her (actual) age and use 6 month old babies instead.
But you have to go with your gut. If you really feel strongly about it, press on. There are (I am sure) lots of resources available and I am sure your pedi can refer you to EI.
((Hugs)). I know it is a tough spot to be in. Hopefully some of the other ladies have some sound advice for you!!
Our NICU eval said the same thing (based on his adjusted age, he's on track and doesn' tneed therapy) but then I have FIrst Steps telling me he needs therapy. Funny how that works, huh?
IMO she's not expected to be at a 9 month level - she's expected to be at a 6 month level. We're in your shoes and what we decided to do was this
-cut back on therapy from 1 hour to only 30 minutes per week
-continue therapy until Andrew starts crawling (he's close - just army crawling now) and then at that point, cut back on therapy to every other week for 30 minutes
-if Andrew continues to follow his adjusted age, in April, after his 1 year adjusted NICU followup, we'll stop therapy completely.
So we did a hybrid of the advice from the doctor and the advice from the OT.
FWIW Ii tend to agree with the doctor, that he doesn't need therapy because he's been developing on par with his adjusted age and I think he'll catch up in his own time, but figured I would rather air on the more therapy side than less. Plus if nothing else they can keep an eye on him for any red flags, especially since he had a level 2 and 4 IVH.
GL!
I would go with your gut and get the EI evaluation just to be sure. If she qualifeis, then its some extra help!
Our NICU followups said both they boys were doing fine. Dylan is a little behind in gross motor but thats it. BUt they both qualifed for EI. The NICU people were shocked that Carter qualified. He was sitting up unsupported at 5 months adjusted for crying out loud! And he has been hands and knes crawling for a couple weeks now so before 8 months adjusted and is trying to pull to a stand! As soon as he is able to put himself in a sitting position, I think I'm going to take him out of therapy
My point it, I also don't get the differeing opnionos. It's wierd. But have the evaulation. It cant hurt
You're the mom - go with your gut. You see her everyday; they saw her for at most a few hours. In NC you can refer yourself to Early Intervention. I would give them a call and have them come do an evaluation.
I tend to err on the "too much therapy" side. I just don't want to ever look back and think there was something more I could have done (but I have a guilt complex!
). Good luck!