Infant stimulation techniques: 4 weeks old

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Our ISP session at KDSF KK two Fridays ago was brief, but it was worth it in my opinion, mainly because I have learned a few techniques I can easily do at home which would help exercise Edry’s motor skills. I decided to create a short clip showing these techniques, realizing how difficult it is to find therapies online that specifically focuses on children with DS and a detailed explanation on how to go about doing them.

Refer to the video above, which contains annotations describing each of the following exercises in detail:

  1. 0:08 Addressing tongue protusion
  2. 0:48 Strengthening of the jaw
  3. 1:45 Pelvic and leg joint toning
  4. 2:20 Shoulder and arm toning #1
  5. 2:40 Shoulder and arm toning #2

One technique I didn’t manage to capture in the video was the neck massaging technique. The way to do that is to rub the back of his neck, from the base of the head to the base of the neck in a downward motion, and repeat 5 times.

Eric did a great job recording them with our simple digicam; you’ll see the cameraman making a brief appearance. Little Ezra helped, too, by adding some “background sounds” on top of the sound of Playhouse Disney channel already playing on TV — that is, if he wasn’t climbing and pushing me while I was in action.

I hope the video helps to show not only the massaging techniques, but also the realistic environment or condition in which your baby is in. He ain’t gonna like it, and you’ll get all sorts of reaction from your little one, from the constant movements like what you see in the video, to crying and resisting which was what happened when I first did it on Edry. The therapist mentioned that such resistance is normal in an infant due to their tactile-defensiveness, but will subside with frequent stimulation to lessen their hypersensitivity.

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Healthy baby and more DS understanding

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Edry had his follow-up check with our paediatrician (PD) this morning, and he passed with flying colours! The doc noted that his jaundice is looking better, which means that Edry’s liver functions are getting better (yay!). His lungs, heart and everything else checks OK too. I only need to put some lotion on him since his skin is a little dry. Dang that phototherapy lights! He also reconfirmed with me that Edry doesn’t have any congenital issues (health problems present at birth). I asked him about the possibility of Edry getting atrioventricular canal defect (AVCD), a common problem among Down syndrome children, and he said if it’s not congenitally detected, then he won’t have it even when he grows up. What a relief! PD mentions that I only need to be on the lookout for ear infection due to his low muscle tone.

The doc and I went on to talk about other things, specifically the early intervention programs (EIPs). He handed me a leaflet of Seri Mengasih Centre, so I thought I’d share it here.

Early Intervention Program

For babies, toddlers and young children from 0-12 years old with:

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Motor Coordination and Sensory Impairments

Day: Every Wednesday
Time: 2:30pm for assessment, 3:30pm for playgroup

Program follows a multi-disciplinary approach involving:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Sensory Integration
  • Counseling / Assessment

Conducted by:

  • May Vivien Lim, Physiotherapist, B.Sc. (Physiotherapy), Australia
  • Jasminah Ali Umer Kutty, B.Sc. (Physiotherapy), Australia
  • Florence Lajangang, Occupational Therapist, B.Sc. (Occupational Therapy), United Kingdom

Fee structure:

  • Annual membership fee payable to Seri Mengasih Centre (including free access to the Resource Library): RM50
  • Payable to the therapists:-
  • Preliminary Assessment (45 mins, one-off): RM50
  • 3-sessions per month (1 session is 45 mins with all therapists): RM75
  • Extra one-to-one therapist session: RM50

This is a really good start for me. I got tons of information and more understanding of the types of services and therapy I can get from non-profit organisations as well as government centres. I think I’ll just do a different post for that later. For now, I’m taking a little time to be grateful to the Lord concerning Edry’s health check.

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Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch…

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It’s never a pleasant thing to get these fake Braxton Hicks contractions, especially when you’re still a month away from being full term. Everything about this fourth pregnancy seem to be more intense than my previous ones. I suppose this is why my OBGYN is recommending the weekly check-ups now. No matter. When he’s ready to come out, he’s ready. Yes, he’s a he. I picked up a name for him already.

Just as a side note to self, this is the first time that my better half has never attended any of my pregnancy check-up. I’m fine with it, though. The important thing is that he’s around when the time comes, and not being outstationed for work.

Counting the days. Let’s hope my little comes on the due date next month :)

Update: This post was actually made on 18th June and scheduled to be posted on 20th. What do you know — I delivered my son on June 19. More on that coming soon.

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Flashback: Eric’s old journal 04JUL02

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Eric is getting very demanding nowadays. Just when I thought I’m the luckiest mom on earth to have such a low-maintenance baby like him. Of all the hours of the day he wants to be held, it just has to be in the wee hours of 2am to 3am, when I finally manage to get my nightly snooze after a long day working.

Highlight of the day: What is there to highlight, other than his early morning wails? Though, it’s always a consolation for me when I do get that full-body, dimpled smile of his at the end of each 20-minute wailing.

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30 June, 2008 in Exclusively Eric by Mommy (Lorna) Add A Comment
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