It has been a few days since the first trip to the specialist and I went back to finish up the talk. The part where they give us the plan for JJ. I had expected it to take only 1 1/2 hours (since that is the time we were allotted on the original day of his appointment. Instead I was there for over 4 1/2 hours. I have a LOT of handouts to read over. Some talk about how a child moves from breast/bottle at birth to eating table foods, and the mistakes that a lot of parents make in the transition. Usually kids have no problems, but sometimes they do. Like in JJ's case. We did the same thing for him we did with our other three children, but it didn't work for him.
Some were specific to JJ and how we need to do things. A feeding routine, not to mention exactly what he will be given to eat at those times. How he is to sit, and how we present the food to him. The weaning off of Elecare (which has soy in it, something our GI doctor did not know, and I was told by the specialist that most GI docs don't know) and onto Neocate Jr. How JJ is to sit, chew, move his tounge, use his hands, the words we can and can't use at the table. I must admit, it is a bit overwhelming.
And at the same time ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING!!! I have known a few of the stuff we were told (that most of the general public is not aware of just because they have not done research OR really had a NEED to research it to begin with). But everything else she was saying ... Oh I wish that EVERY GI doctor in the world could hear her speak.
It amazes me that we take a class to learn how to give birth. Sometimes we even take class on how to diaper and burp a baby. Hey, I could not even been dismissed from the hospital after giving birth till I went to a class that showed me how to bathe and feed a baby (despite the fact this WAS my third child). But there are NO classes teaching about the feeding growth of a child and how important that 4-6 month period is. How the tongue and jaw and EVERYTHING in the mouth changes. But I digress.
No, wait, gotta rant on the fact that there is NOTHING to prepare a parent for severe food allergies/sensitivities. Even the GI docs are baffled. They see the child as a stomach and not a whole person. Hence why JJ was on Elecare WITH SOY even though SOY is a major allergen of his. I cannot TELL you the difference in JJ since lessing how much Elecare he gets. But I am getting tired of the vomiting while we are in transition. BLECH! The coughing and gagging. The UP ALLLLLLLLL NIGHT!
We saw the specialist on Tuesday of last week, and in just the week and two days since we have seen her, I have seen progress in JJ. And he is gaining weight again. The extra Elecare I was giving him (pounded into my brain that it was best for him because it was his only source of protein and calories) was making it worse. My poor baby.
But now we have a plan. I have a LOT to read through. And a lot to change. Baby steps. I need to remember baby steps.
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Hi, I am new to the blogging world (at least to posting, normally a reader) and have been reading through your story. I am sorry to hear of your struggle. My son was born in Jan. of this yr. We had to go to the hospital for a different reason but I am remembering the awful feeling of not been heard by the doctors as I read through your entries.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering though in this entry a few examples of what you are talking about here..
"I have known a few of the stuff we were told (that most of the general public is not aware of just because they have not done research OR really had a NEED to research it to begin with"
and what the doctor told you about transitioning your baby to solids foods. I am interested in what the doctor told you because I have read about problems in the recommended way you transition babies now and was wondering if your doc. supported what I have read. ~Thanks