Early Intervention for Preemie...when to start? How?

[Anonymous]

My DS was born at 34 weeks and is now 7 weeks old (1 week adjusted). He's growing well, but I have some concerns about motor issues (he strongly favors turning his head to one side v the other) and generally really want to make sure I'm doing all I can for his development. I had heard of Early Intervention services and figured that our ped would recommend them if anything major came up at regular checkups. No one in the NICU or our Ped office has me ruined Early Intervention, so I figured we were fine.

Today at a breastfeeding support group I met moms of two other babies around DS's age. Both are getting PT services and had been through Early Intervention evals. One was getting PT for a stiff neck in one side; the other for extra head control support. One was referred from the NICU, the other, her ped. They said they didn't notice anything wrong with their babies; they had the impression this was standard from the county for all preemies.

Have I missed the boat? We're in Fairfax. How does this work?

[Anonymous]

I'm in DC but we just called EI at about two months adjusted and they came to the house and did an evaluation. Our pediatrician said it was good idea for all preemies but we didn't need an official referral.

[Anonymous]

OP,

You didn't miss the boat on anything. Torticollis happens from how the baby is positioned in the womb: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000749.htm

Even if your baby is a premie doesn't mean he/she has torticollis. It's good to treat b/c it can affect how the baby's eyes track if he can't move his head properly.

You don't need an official referral for EI, go ahead and call them for an evaluation if it would make you feel more at ease.

[Anonymous]

You don't need a referral for EI. You just call. You can do it tomorrow morning.

[Anonymous]

We got evaluated at three months but didn't qualify until 9 months. Your preemie may not need services, op. most don't, it's not like a given or anything. Just get evaluated. The nice thing about preemie delays (if that can be said) is that they happen for a clearly identifiable reason and are outgrown. That said, calm down, it's a marathon. You will see if there is reason for services later. No 7 week old baby does much. The women you spoke with were likely told by their peds to call ei, you haven't been -- that's a good thing!!

[Anonymous]

Just re read your post -- op, the vast majority of 34 week and up preemies do great. Some may require services, but by no means all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just re read your post -- op, the vast majority of 34 week and up preemies do great. Some may require services, but by no means all.

This. My baby weighed 4 pounds when we brought him home 23 years ago. That tiny baby is 6'2 and 160 pounds. He graduates from college in the Spring. He was little, but never required any kind of special services.

Ask you pediatrician what he thinks, but keep in mind that most babies born at 34 weeks do great! I share my story in the hopes that you won't make the mistake I did. I spent way too much time and energy worrying about my perfectly healthy newborn. I wish I had been able to relax and enjoy those first few months.