Neonatal Followup Progra

On September 27th 3 days after Madison turned 7 months, we had the opportunity to go to her Neonatal Followup Program visit.  We got a letter from the state health department telling us that we could participate in this program.  She will have 4 visits in the next 2 years, I think it what it said.  The letter said that the "community" is interested in seeing how she develops over the next few years.  And by "community" I'm assuming they mean the medical community.  Because my own personal community knows how my daughter is doing.

Anyway, our appointment was at the bright and early hour of 8:30 am.  I know that this isn't really an early time, but the appointment was down by the University hospital.  Not really where I wanted to travel to during rush hour traffic.  But the traffic wasn't the worst of it.  Finding the damn place was the worst of it.  It really isn't an easy place to find.  And Tyler and I were snapping at each other before we got there, and barely speaking when we pulled into the parking lot.  It was early, and neither of us had eaten yet.  So it was not a good combination.

The letter told us to expect a 3 hour visit.  And they weren't wrong we were there for about 2 and a half.  We saw 2 doctors and a nutritionist.  The first doctor we saw was a physical therapist.  He worked with Madison to see how she is developing.  One nice thing about about this visit, is that the doctors there all know that Madison was a preemie and the appointments check her development based on her adjusted age not her actual age.  So her actual age is 7 months, but her adjusted age is only 5 months because she was 2 months early.  So when they tested her skills they did it according to where a 5 month old would be.  And the P.T. said she was doing very well!  He was really surprised at all the stuff she can do.  She can roll over no problems.  She interacts with people, will grab for toys and bring them to her mouth.  And she is still thisclose to sitting up.  All things that are very good.  So of course she is behind a 7 month old, but she is advanced for a 5 month old.  The appointment with the P.T. was the most informative.

We also met with a pediatrician, she didn't say anything different, from what Madison's Pediatrician has been saying.  And we also meet with the nutritionist.  The nutritionist was surprised that Madison is eating solid foods so well right now.  She asked if we'd been spoon feeding her.  Uh, yes, how else would we do it?

Our next Neonatal Followup appointment is in December, apparently this one will be a more detailed visit.  She will see an Audiologist, an eye doctor , and a Phsycologist, in addition to the other doctors she's already seen.

When we were there, we had to wait in the waiting room in between the doctors with other parents and they're preemie babies.  It was an eye opener for me, to see all the babies born early.  Most of them were doing well for they're ages, and complications they faced at birth.  Others were not.  You could see the delays, but the fact that all of these babies are here and turning into infants and toddlers is a miracle.  It was fun to talk to other parents and to hear their stories, and to share ours.

While I am not looking forward to another 3-4 hours appointment.  I am glad that we have the opportunity to meet with these doctors.  And to see how she is developing for a baby that was born 2 months early.  It can get frustrating sometimes to hear about your friends babies who are younger then your own, but are doing things yours hasn't yet.  So it's nice to hear that your baby is actually doing expectationally well.  Cause let's face it everyone thinks their kid does expectationally well, but to hear it, well that's just really nice.