Development

I know I fell off the map, we've been renovating our new house and working and generally being exhausted... But I need some thoughts, so here I am! Back to the women (and men?) who would know some answers.

My girls were born at 30 weeks and are now approaching six months (four, adjusted). Developmentally they seem to be on track. At least to me! They're holding their heads up with no effort, smiling, laughing.

We had a visit from the CDSA the other day and the lady started going through the developmental milestones and I was doing my best to answer honestly. The girls aren't doing quite a few of the things listed. I wasn't really worried, because I figure they'll probably reach some things at their actual age and others at their adjusted age. She, however, seemed concerned by some of them. Like, the girls are only beginning to reach for objects, and not always. I think it correlates with how wakeful/happy/full the girls are? She seemed to find that unusual. Then she asks about rolling. Honestly? I think they're doing it accidentally and haven't quite figured out how to do it intentionally yet. Again, this concerned her.

CDSA is an organization that's entire design is providing support for premie or at-risk children, so I respect this lady's opinion. She's got me freaking out! Are my girls behind? Seriously, I was not even thinking about the "milestones," except to get excited when we hit one. Now I feel like they are so behind!

What have you experiences been? How do you measure their development, by adjusted or actual ages? Should we take advantage of the "play therapy" and other things that CDSA offers to "catch up" my girls?

 

I didn't have preemies, so I maybe of little help, but it seems to me that your girls are doing fine. I personally would be going by adjusted age, not actual age. But like I said, I have no experience with preemies. I am sure others will give their input who have.

I don't think they are behind. I think all kids are at different levels. Annabella is a year old. She's not walking yet-doesn't mean she's behind. She's not saying mama, whereas my other friends girls are. They are all different kids! And Annabella certainly isn't doing things her brothers were doing at her age. As for CDSA, is it like an EI(early intervention) program? That's kinda what it seems like. I may go ahead and have them evaluate your girls(if they do that), as it certainly can't hurt. Plus, I liked EI because it gave me an hour/week to talk to another adult! And if I had any concerns, etc, there was someone I could ask at anytime. And I find sometimes they can be sooo nit picky about certain things. But you are their mother-and you know them best!

Good luck!

 

In my personal and professional opinion (I'm an Infant Education Coordinator) your babies are doing fine, timetables are so restrictive sometimes. I wouldn't worry just yet but I would take advantage of "play therapy" Not necessarily in an effort to "catch them up" but just to stimulate them in ways you might not have tried, or thought of. Every child is different, whether preemie or not. I'd be more concerned if they weren't reaching any milestones.

 

I'm sorry you're going through this! My boys weren't preemies BUT they were born at 37 weeks where my older girls were each born at 41 weeks. I KNOW it's not that much difference but it IS at this age. I just expect the boys to do things a month behind their sisters. The other thing I find stressful as a twin mom is when one reaches milestones quicker than the other. I'm not usually neurotic about these things, but I find myself questioning whether one is ok or not kwim?!

That said, it sounds like they're doing just fine but if there are concerns (which again to me it doesn't sound like there are) I'd want to catch them early!!

 

Often EI programs often use actual age when they perform evaluations. I would go ahead with the play therapy.

Here are a few websites you may find useful.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html

http://www.nncc.org/Child.Dev/mile1.html

 

Well, it sounds to me like they are doing fine & I wouldn't worry too much. But I see no harm in taking advantage of any programs offered, I would think they can only be helpful even if they aren't technically behind.

 

I agree with everything the pp's have said. If they qualify for free services definitely take it, but don't stress and enjoy each accomplishment when it happens. Some babies have their own way of doing things. My DD didn't sit until after she started crawling only because she liked being on her belly better!

 

I appreciate the responses. I feel like they're fine as well, but the seed was planted... CDSA is an EI program. I think I will do the services, then. As a PP said, can't hurt!

Thanks!