Aiden had his eval with OT today for "feeding issues". As you all know he eats like a champ, it's drinking that is a problem. First off he will probably have the g-tube for at least 6 more months. YUK! but we got some good tips and ideas from the OT and she is trying like heck to get him on her case load but since there are other kids waiting, we know how that works and well it probably won't work out. It stinks cause she specializes in feeding and drinking and works a lot with kids that have gtubes, but they can't pick and choose, so keeping our fingers crossed we can get the lady we saw today (who was fantastic with him) I'd be oh so happy..
We have some mouth exercises to do to create stronger muscles in his mouth. Aiden has learned to eat with his head back a bit (chin up) which if you try it, makes it hard to swallow. It's easier if you have your chin a little down (I know you are all trying it now huh)
So we are going to work on him keeping his chin down a little. Also working with a new cup that I am going to try and hunt down today. Then when he eats off a spoon we need to alternate putting the food on the left side of his mouth then the right. Back and forth for a bit then a normal bite. This will exercise his tounge which works well but is a little weak.
I will say this, the OT was VERY amazed with him. She said for a 24 weeker he is doing fantastic and my fears of him being autistic should be out the window. He is on track with so many things, he focuses on you and tries to repeat or copy. He's eating and trying to walk, he crawls. He is doing so much and so well and i just wanted to cry I was so happy.
It's normal mommy worries I think I have and as for the drinking well it will come. We just have to keep eating and drinking fun and not crunch down on him or he will look at it like a negitive thing and start pushing away and then the real struggle begins. Once they get to about 12 to 18 months is when it's hard if they decide they don't want to do something. Aiden is already there, cause when he doesn't want to do something HE DOESN'T WANT TO DO IT!, but "keeping it fun" like she said helps them like eating, drinking and/or what ever else your doing.
So we will see what comes in the next month of working with the new exercises and cup and seeing if it helps. OHHH She did also say it is very common for gtube kids to take longer with things like this AND also the fact that he gets liquids during the night when sleeping will contribute to him not drinking during the day too. SO we are going to stop his overnight feeds (we alternate formula and water, 16oz over 6 and a half hours) we will now bolus him 4 ounce of fluid after a meal, depending on how much he drinks on his own)
The good think, no more detaching tube during the night, and wet milk smelling baby at 3am, which consists of washing and changing him, and changing everything in the crib.. UGH!!!
Wish us luck!!
