So I'm having the hardest time figuring out what milestones to look for. Most things I read say to go by due date but obviously that's not the case for everything. For example, I was reading about "wonder weeks" and half of the stuff for the leap based on actual birthdate apply (e.g., rolling tummy to back with some help) while some of the earlier milestones based on due date haven't been met (social smiles). I know milestones are just guidelines but I hate not knowing what to expect. Have any of you found any good resources on what to expect with preemies? What were your experiences with milestones and timelines?
Did you have a NICU Case Manager assigned by your hospital? They often have resources. Also, like a local health district?
You could search for your local early intervention (which helps for children who are behind in development), even if you don't qualify for their program, they can likely refer you to other programs to help with development or find out where you LO is at.
Ah yeah I do have a case manager and the number for EI. Good thinking!
I know it goes off of adjusted age but I look at all the milestones ranging from his actual age to his adjusted age. Just like every baby somethings he will excel at some things not so much. I think my LO will be a walker before he crawls.
We always went off of her adjusted age. Our pedi had a developental checklist that we failed every appointment her first year, because it wasn't adjusted.
I did the same as wicked22, and when he was younger some he would hit the actual age and other adjusted. Now I am just going off adjusted since for some of the large milestones (sitting, crawling, walking) he is barely on track for his adjusted age. Looking at actual age would just stress me out at this point. I highly recommend looking into EI. Even if he stays on track it is nice to have that confirmation. There was some small signs when he just got out of the hospital and he qualified for EI and I am so glad he did. Having the check ins each week and making sure we are doing everything we can for him helps my state of mind a ton. And he has responded so well to it. Good luck!
I definitely agree with checking out EI. My DS qualified and it is so nice to have an OT come and just make sure everything is okay and work on stuff as needed. She talks to me about make up growth and development which helps me figure out where both of the twins fall right now. But I definitely agree with you that it's hard not knowing for sure. There are so many books (like wonder weeks) that I want to read but I'm just not sure I would find them applicable.
Post by threetexans on Apr 21, 2015 21:37:29 GMT -5
Lurker here. I'm a preemie mom of a 32 weeker who is now almost 20 months.
Go by your due date for milestones. Our pedi continues to adjust DD's age until 2 years. The Texas EI program (ECI) will continues to adjust until DD is 18 months (actual age). Wonder weeks, while helpful, took more brain power to figure out than my sleep deprived body could muster some weeks. (Especially if I had skipped a few weeks and then decided to pick it back up.)
Here is a developmental milestone list that I have found very helpful. It was given to us by DD's physical therapy clinic. Go by your child's due date (adjusted age). DD has been in private physical therapy for the last 6 months for gross motor delays, after failing to qualify for ECI twice. She definitely needed therapy, but just did not meet their rigid requirements. She was always within a 2-4% delay of qualifying.
Last Edit: Apr 21, 2015 21:38:18 GMT -5 by threetexans
3 years TTC, 15 cycles w/ RE(med & med/IUI), one angel 2/2012, and a cycle break rainbow 8/2013 born at 32w2d.
Severe Pre-E, HFpEF, PE, AMA & IF= OAD not by choice
Our little rainbow is finally walking at 20 months! w/ hypotonia, developmental dyspraxia, and SPD
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