Search Results for: blog when your newborn has special needs

Special Needs Blog Week in Review – Week of February 12 – 18, 2012

The Special Needs Blog Week in Review is a great way to quickly catch up on everything that appeared in the Special Needs Blog in the past week. It is a good way to make sure that you haven’t missed anything. You can scan through this list to search for blogs about whatever particular special needs your child happens to have. The Special Needs Podcast Roundup for the week went up on February 13, 2012. I would like to point out an episode done by The Coffee Klatch that is titled “NY Times Op Ed Gone Wrong – Ritalin Gone … Continue reading →

If Your Child’s Newborn Screening is Positive for Cystic Fibrosis

Posted on by

As the parent of a child with cystic fibrosis who was diagnosed via newborn screening, I have become an advocate for newborn screening of all kinds. The earlier a parent can find out if their child has a life-threatening condition, the better off the child with be health-wise. Early preventative treatment is the key to living the most healthy life possible with CF. I knew that there could be false positives when testing newborns for CF, but was shocked to hear that 90% of the positives are actually false. Now that all 50 states are screening newborns for CF, the … Continue reading →

Adopting a Child with Special Needs

Posted on by

The desire to adopt a child is a great gift but can be a long process. When considering adopting a child with special needs, there are many additional factors to consider. Children who are up for adoption, especially older children, come with a history that many of us can’t even imagine. Some have been through numerous foster homes, some have suffered abuse and neglect, and some were born with disabilities. Each child is unique, and understanding and accepting who he or she is and what you as parents can offer, are key in making sure your adoption goes off without … Continue reading →

Five Things to Do When Your Child is Diagnosed with Down Syndrome

Posted on by

I recently read an essay by a woman who knew from the moment her newborn daughter was handed to her, that she had Down syndrome. She waited for someone else in the room to notice, and waited while the pediatrician looked her daughter over, and waited for the words to escape from the doctor’s mouth, knowing all the while, what wasn’t being said. She was scared and she wanted to reverse time to before her daughter was born. She wanted to run away with her toddler and husband and never look back. That is how it often feels at the … Continue reading →

Save The Babies Foundation Works to Promote Newborn Screening

Newborn screening is a hot topic in this country whether you realize it or not. Most of us deliver our children and are never even aware of the testing that they go through within the first hours after birth. Every child born in the United States is tested for a variety of genetic conditions that need immediate treatment. Without that treatment permanent damage and even death can occur. So why would anyone be against newborn screening? The cost to the government, personal privacy issues, and the fear that the government keeps track of us all by the drop of blood … Continue reading →

Thoughts on Raising a Child with Special Medical Needs

It was 14 years ago on June 14, 1994 when we learned that our son was born with something wrong. We had no idea what that something was until the doctors ran some tests and found that he had Velocardiofacial Syndrome (also known as Shprintzen Syndrome). He couldn’t keep his formula down, and he was not gaining weight. Doctors had to insert a feeding tube through his nostrils (NG tube) so he could be fed. Later the doctors had to surgically insert a tube into his stomach (G tube). My wife and I are glad we did not know what … Continue reading →

Bonding with Your NICU Baby

Recently, here in the baby blog we have been talking about preemies and the NICU experience. Emotionally draining is an understatement. Bonding is also another challenge as you might not even be able to hold your little one for awhile. NICU babies have unique needs and consequently it’s important that you give yourself permission to observe your baby’s cues and watch them closely. Your baby might not be interested in the outside world for awhile and actually, that’s not a terrible thing. NICU preemies, particularly ones who are sick, need all their energy for recovering. Once your baby is matured … Continue reading →

5 Things Your Baby Really Wants for Christmas

I know. I know. You’re busy. Believe me, I get it. You have cookies to bake, a house to decorate and presents to buy. Not to mention the fact that you’re taking care of a baby who is probably finding new and creative ways to get into and on the tree. . .that is if he’s old enough. You’re probably looking at cooking or at least bringing some big dish to the next event, and attending several family get-togethers. So I’m going to simplify things for you and tell you what your baby really wants for Christmas. Go ahead and … Continue reading →

When Your Newborn Has Special Needs

The days surrounding your baby’s birth should be full of joy and excitement. Yet when your newborn has a medical problem, or is at risk for developing a disease or disorder, those joyous feelings are often replaced with fear, sorrow, and even disappointment. You might learn that your baby will not be able to come home from the hospital as soon as you hoped. Your newborn might be covered with tubes and probes, instead of being the healthy cherubic infant you imagined. He or she might be kept under special care in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) or face … Continue reading →

Ask a Baby Blogger: Extra Water for Breastfed Babies?

The question: It is so hot here, I think it was over 100 degrees yesterday. I breastfeed my 2 month old daughter. My mother in law told me that it was so hot I should give her some extra water out of a bottle to make sure she doesn’t get dehydrated. What is your opinion? My opinion is that your dear mother in law is operating on information that was taught to breastfeeding moms decades ago. You absolutely should NOT give your breastfeeding infant (especially if he’s feeding on demand) water unless it is directed by a pediatrician on a … Continue reading →