Preemies

My 4 year old son was born 7 and a half weeks early... He crawled at about 7 months and didnt walk until he was 14 months old. But now hes so full of energy and never misses a step!! If there is anything i can answer please feel free to ask!

J., don't worry if your pdeiatrcian said she is doing fine with her weight and height for her size compared to her birth weight, then most likly she will be just fine. Kaylee was 33 1/2 weeks when she was delivered, she is almost two and the only thing that she does not do much of is talk; other than that she loves to be read to, tossed around, plays with the dogs, and whatever else she likes to do. She took her first steps at 9 1/2 months and was walking ok by 10 months, just remember all kids develop a little bit different. I know the youngest of the three kids at our church did not really start walking ok till after her first b-day, and she was full term. If you would like to email me go ahead. By the way you dont even know by looking at her that she was premie.

Have fun with her,
J.

We always teach our NICU moms that, until about 5-6yrs old, the preemie babies will perform or develop at the true gestational ace, not the corrected. You should see your baby doing things that a 5.5-6.5 month old baby would do. We also take into acct that different babys that are not preenie do things in their own time. Establish what learning curve your baby it on and watch that she stays on it. For EX: my kiddo (36.5 weeker, not truely a preemie but a bit preterm) seems to do everything a little on the late side of "textbook". But she does accomplish her milestones, just in her own time. That is just her! She is 2.5yo now, and still does things when she is good n ready! Bout the time I worry bout the milestone, she makes it happen.
So, for your little one, watch/read the expected accomplishments of a 6mo and go from there. Preemies and micro preemies usually catchup around 5-6 years!
Relax, enjoy, and still be observant!
Have you been ref ti ECI? If not, talk that over with your pedi! They can be a great help!

Hi J.,

I have a son who was born at 32 weeks and 3 days, he just turned one year on the 23rd. I have my moments too when I think about what he is able to do versus what other children his age are able to do. Truth be told that all kids are different. There are some full term babies the same age as him at his daycare and they still do not walk or make comprehensive words.

I put it that way because I have an exceptionally intelligent niece who was saying small sentences at a year old and walking at 8 months. Then my other neice was barely walking at a year and still does not speak very clearly at two years old.

The doctors will tell you that you should watch and urge, but you won't really know if they are behind until they are with other children daily. Elijah was seemingly behind before this, his third daycare, but that is only because no one would allow him the opportunity to interact or roll around of learn from someone only a little older then him. Give her some time and she will catch on. Elijah did not start crawling until nearly 10 months, but once he did man he is hard to catch if you turn your back for one second.

Let me know if you need an ear.

~M.

My son was 5wks. early. He is now 3 1/2 and only weighs 30lbs. while his sister is 2 and weighs 35lbs. Ask me your questions and maybe I can help.

Hi J.
My name is T.. I have 2 girls also 5 and 3. My 3 yr old was a preemie born at 23 weeks. And she is doing just fine with only respitory problems when she has a cold, lang. delay, and she wears glasses due to eye problems and having to have oxygen when she was born. She also had occ. and physical therapy from 6 months to the time she turned 3. Now I have in an early childhood/pre-k school and she is doing great. So you are not alone. I don't know much developmentally delayed your daughter is,but she'll overcome that with help. If you need someone to talk too about it I'll be happy to help out.
Good Luck :=)
T.

Hi J.. I am a mother of twin preemies, 25 weekers, 15 weeks early. Were there any problems from prematurity? Are you receiving any services from anyone? You may contact me anytime to talk about anything. I know what it's like for you to be going through this.

I don't have a preemie but is she meeting her expected developmental accomplishments? Remember she will be delayed but ask her pedi. If you are still concerned, ask the pedi to refer you a pediatric PT/OT eval. I know a place in Porter that is good if you are close to there. If you want info,please email me privately and I will share the info.

Good luck,
C.

I have four children and the third one was born early and very small. None of the clothes we had for him fit. I wouldn't worry and if he's on track business or not, because You will see they have their own timing on everything. They catch up but when...you are never sure. But now I can see that my 16 year old boy caught up big time! As they grow they don't hit mile stones on the same schedule as the rest but now he's caught up. I finally stopped worrying and realized that he took a bit longer to do some things. Now you would never know that he was a premie.