Chims’ Playmate

Meet Moriah, Chim’s cousin and playmate.









This summer, Moriah is staying with us. And Chim is more than happy to have a new playmate.
 

Moriah is just four. But she already displays  wit and inquisitiveness. She asks a lot of questions. And talk like an adult. And boy, how she loves singing her broken -medley version of "Let it go!, Got to Believe in Magic, What does the fox say? and of course, Wrecking Ball"

 

 

We are surprise to see her becoming more like a real “ate,” an older sister to her baby cousin. She looks after Chim and helps in bathing her. She helps pick Chim’s clothes and hand her her toys. She plays peek-a-boo with her. And sings her songs.
 

When she belts out her version of "Let it go!" Chim is more than happy to be her audience. Chim also tries to mimic her with her "A-gooooooo!" Together, they play, kiss and cuddle and form a sisterly bond.



 

 

  

DOLICO out of Chim's way!

Before Chimkas was born I had mixed feelings...excitement... joy... fear..

 

Excitement and joy are common to expecting mothers.. But fear? Well, I guess it might be common too.. Besides, everyone fears for the unknown.

 

My fear, however, is coupled with paranoia as my pregnancy was a difficult one. I had complications- anemia, UTI plus the dreaded OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS. I had to be operated earlier than expected because my amniotic fluid continued to dwindle even with all the complete bed-rest and hydration (oral w/ 4-5 liters a day plus dextrose)  that my doctor had advised.

 

At the operating room, I was relaxed. Thanks to my anesthesiologist who kept me entertained for the whole duration of the operation. It came too easy and quick.. The next moment I know, I had Chim on my chest lapping at my breast. I thought, "Boy, she's too small." I heard my OB talked to Chim's pedia in a hushed voice. I couldn't hear them clearly but I knew they were talking about my baby.. Then, I was put to sleep.

 

After I had recovered and was back at my room,  my husband talked to me in a nervous voice. He asked if the pedia explained Chim's condition. "What condition?" I asked. Then he said with teary eyes, "Chim's head is a little bit longer than the normal baby's head. And her left foot is  a  little bit clubbed."

 

At that moment, I felt like I was in a vacuum. I hated the pedia. "My baby is fine," I kept muttering to myself.

 

In the morning, the nurse brought in Chim. I immediately checked her head and indeed, it was longer than usual. Her left foot is slightly turned in at the ankle. I panicked!! This can't be.

 

The pedia tried all her medical knowledge to explain about  CLUBBED FOOT and DOLICOCEPHALY. Yet, all I could hear from her were BLAH-BLAH-BLAHS. She further added the OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS might have been the culprit.
 

THIS IS WHAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM WIKIPEDIA.

A club foot or clubfoot, also called congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is a congenital deformity involving one foot or both. The affected foot appears to have been rotated internally at the ankle. Without treatment, people with club feet often appear to walk on their ankles or on the sides of their feet. However with treatment, the vast majority of patients recover completely during early childhood and are able to walk and participate in athletics as well as patients born without CTEV.

It is a relatively common birth defect, occurring in about one in every 1,000 live births. Approximately half of people with clubfoot have it affect both feet, which is called bilateral club foot. In most cases it is an isolated dysmelia (disorder of the limbs). It occurs in males twice as frequently as in females.

 

 

Dolichocephaly (also know as, scaphocephaly) refers to the condition where the head is disproportionately long and narrow (see cranial index.  Dolichocephaly can result from the premature fusion of the sagittal suture (see craniosynostosis) or from external deformation. Dolichocephaly is particularly common among infants who are born prematurely.

 

A week after we were out of the hospital, we consulted the recommended neuro- specialist and orthopedist. A kidney ultrasound was also recommended and we readily complied just to assure ourselves Chim's fine.

 

 

The neuro- surgeon's prognosis was promising. The ortho- specialist advised a daily massage on the foot.

 

 

After a month, Chim showed improvements. Her head circumference has increased. The dolico is no longer prominent as her head is taking shape. Her left foot has also straightened. Thank God.

 

With all the medical MUMBO JUMBOS, I say  " My baby's fine." Thank God. Chim's okay.

 

 

Why Cimkas Is An Expensive Baby

"You're an expensive baby, " I overheard my Mother saying to my baby girl. Indeed, Chimkas is a priceless gem.

But what prompted Mother to say those words was the fact that I  had a very  difficult pregnancy and I had to be hospitalized twice before my Caesarean operation.

During my fifth month of pregnancy, I had bleeding. This was right after my exam in Tax Law. I just brushed this off thinking it was just my stress. However, the following day, I bled again. And so I had to go to my OB. My OB advised me to immediately have an Ultra- Sound, which I did and so begun my horrifying struggle with this medical condition called OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS.

My OB gave me a lengthy lecture on this condition. And I was horrified for the possible effects on my baby. I was admitted at the hospital and had to be hydrated with complete bed- rest. The condition was corrected.

But after two weeks, my OLIGO had returned. Again, I had to be hospitalized. I lost track of how many times I had to have an Ultra- Sound. And God, how I hated the moments when I have to gulp 4-5 liters of water everyday. 

Here's what I learned about OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS.

First, you have to know everything about AMNIOTIC FLUID.

The amniotic fluid is part of the baby’s life support system . It protects your baby and aids in the development of muscles, limbs, lungs and digestive system. Amniotic fluid is produced soon after the amniotic sac forms at about 12 days after conception. It is first made up of water that is provided by the mother, and then around 20 weeks fetal urine becomes the primary substance. As the baby grows he or she will move and tumble in the womb with the help of the amniotic fluid. In the second trimester the baby will begin to breathe and swallow the amniotic fluid. In some cases the amniotic fluid may measure too low or too high. If the measurement of amniotic fluid is too low it is called oligohydramnios. If the measurement of amniotic fluid is too high it is called polyhydramnios.

What Is Oligohydramnios?

Oligohydramnios is the condition of having too little amniotic fluid. Doctors can measure the amount of fluid through a few different methods, most commonly through amniotic fluid index (AFI) evaluation or deep pocket measurements. If an AFI shows a fluid level of less than 5 centimeters (or less than the 5th percentile), the absence of a fluid pocket 2-3 cm in depth, or a fluid volume of less than 500mL at 32-36 weeks gestation, then a diagnosis of oligohydramnios would be suspected. About 8% of pregnant women can have low levels of amniotic fluid, with about 4% being diagnosed with oligohydramnios. It can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it is most common during the last trimester. If a woman is past her due date by two weeks or more, she may be at risk for low amniotic fluid levels since fluids can decrease by half once she reaches 42 weeks gestation. Oligohydramnios can cause complications in about 12% of pregnancies that go past 41 weeks.

What Causes Low Amniotic Fluid?

Birth defects – Problems with the development of the kidneys or urinary tract which could cause little urine production, leading to low levels of amniotic fluid.

Placental problems – If the placenta is not providing enough blood and nutrients to the baby, then the baby may stop recycling fluid.

Leaking or rupture of membranes –This may be a gush of fluid or a slow constant trickle of fluid. This is due to a tear in the membrane. Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) can also result in low amniotic fluid levels.

Post Date Pregnancy- A post date pregnancy (one that goes over 42 weeks) can have low levels of amniotic fluid, which could be a result of declining placental function.

Maternal Complications- Factors such as maternal dehydration, hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes, and chronic hypoxia can have an effect on amniotic fluid levels.

What Are The Risks Of Having Low Amniotic Fluid?

The risks associated with oligohydramnios often depend on the gestation of the pregnancy. The amniotic fluid is essential for the development of muscles, limbs, lungs, and the digestive system. In the second trimester, the baby begins to breathe and swallow the fluid to help their lungs grow and mature. The amniotic fluid also helps the baby develop muscles and limbs by providing plenty of room to move around. If oligohydramnios is detected in the first half of pregnancy, the complications can be more serious and include:

• Compression of fetal organs resulting in birth defects
• Increased chance of miscarriage or stillbirth

If oligohydramnios is detected in the second half of pregnancy, complications can include:

• Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
• Preterm birth
• Labor complications such as cord compression, meconium stained fluid and cesarean delivery

What Treatments Are Available If I Am Experiencing Low Amniotic Fluid?

The treatment for low levels of amniotic fluid is based on gestational age. If you are not full tem yet, your doctor will monitor you and your levels very closely. Tests such as non-stress and contraction stress test may be done to monitor your baby’s activity. If you are close to full term, then delivery is usually what most doctors recommend in situations of low amniotic fluid levels. Other treatments that may be used include:

• Amnio-infusion during labor through an intrauterine catheter. This added fluid helps with padding around the umbilical cord during delivery and is reported to help lower the chances of a cesarean delivery.
• Injection of fluid prior to delivery through amniocentesis. The condition of oligohydramnios is reported to often return within one week of this procedure, but it can aid in helping doctors visualize fetal anatomy and make a diagnosis.
• Maternal re-hydration with oral fluids or IV fluids has shown to help increase amniotic fluid levels.

Severe oligohydramnios in late 2nd trimester

 This is the case of a 19 week fetus with severe oligohydramnios. Fetus lies in breech presentation. The ultrasound images below show lack of any fluid pocket or very little amniotic fluid in any of the pockets.this patient had bleeding PV with a possible premature rupture of the amniotic membrane

Lack of fluid ( liqor amni) even around the Fetal abdomen or the Fetal limbs

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Very little or total absence of amniotic fluid can result in very poor imaging quality

Among the Causes of oligohydramnios are- premature rupture of membranes, Fetal hypoxaemia, renal agenesis or dysgenesis, intake of certain drugs, Fetal demise and also Fetal IUGR. oligohydramnios is diagnosed when the four quadrant AFI or amniotic fluid index is less than five or the maximum vertical fluid pocket is less than 2 cm. Among the complications of such severe oligohydramnios are Fetal limb contractures and Fetal lung hypoplasia.

Sources:

http://www.ultrasound-images.com/amniotic-fluid.htm

http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/lowamnioticfluidoligohydramnios.htm

Developmental Milestones of Infants

Just the other day, I brought my little girl to SM Baguio. And boy,how she wonders about her surroundings. As her eyes, marvel at everything and everyone at the mall, I can't help myself from checking my checklist on her development.

She has grown bigger... She smiles and giggles more.. She coos more.. She looks at Mommy longer. And she plays more>..^^

Here is a checklist I have found at the Internet.. I find it useful as my guide in watching out for Chim's own developmental milestones.

1 month

Milestones

The first days with your baby can be a blur of feeding, changing diapers, settling her to sleep, and responding to her wails. But within a few weeks, she'll start to take more notice of your voice, face, and touch.

Your baby can't focus farther than 8 to 12 inches away – just the right distance for her to gaze at your face. Black-and-white patterns also draw her attention. Her hearing is fully developed and she might turn toward familiar sounds, such as your voice.

She can lift her head briefly and turn it to the side when she's on her stomach, but when she's upright her head and neck still need support. Although her arms move jerkily, she can get her hands close to her mouth.

Your role

Enjoy getting to know your baby: Cuddle her, talk to her, and learn how she signals when she's sleepy or hungry. Be attentive and responsive. You can't spoil a baby!

Give her plenty of tummy time from the start when she's awake so she can strengthen her muscles. Encourage her to look at and reach for toys.

Make sure she gets plenty of time outside. Go for walks with her and take her to the park or playground. She'll enjoy the outdoors, relaxing with you, and being around other children.

Get close and make eye contact with your baby when you talk, sing, and read to her. Playsimple games when she's alert and in the mood, such as peekaboo or mimicking her sounds. Learn the signs that she's had enough play and needs some down time.

Red flags

Each child develops at her own pace, but talk to your baby's doctor if your 1-month-old:

• Feeds slowly or doesn't suck well
• Doesn't seem to focus her eyes or watch things moving nearby
• Doesn't react to bright lights
• Seems especially stiff or floppy
• Doesn't respond to loud sounds

3 months

Milestones

By now, you're basking in the warmth of your baby's delighted smiles! He actively enjoys playtime now, amusing you both when he imitates your facial expressions. He's starting to babble and mimic the sounds you make.

You no longer need to support his head. When he's on his stomach, he can lift his headand chest, and even do the mini-pushups that set the stage for rolling over. He can open and close his hands, shake toys, swat at dangling objects, bring his hands to his mouth, and push down with his legs if you hold him in a standing position.

His hand-eye coordination is improving. You'll notice him closely tracking objects that interest him and focusing intently on faces. He's able to recognize you from across the room!

Your role

Don't worry about spoiling your baby: Responding to him promptly helps him feel secure and loved. You can help him learn to soothe himself by guiding his thumb to his mouth or offering him a pacifier.

Continue to make tummy time part of his daily routine so he can practice his new skills and strengthen his muscles. When he's on his tummy, give him toys and safe objects he can reach for, hold, and explore.

Give your baby lots of loving attention. Talk to him throughout the day, describing what you're doing and naming familiar objects. Read books together. Share cuddles, play games, and encourage his efforts to roll over, grab toys, and "talk" with you.

Red flags

Each child develops at his own pace, but talk to your child's doctor if your 3-month-old:

• Can't support his head well
• Can't grasp objects
• Can't focus on moving objects
• Doesn't smile
• Doesn't react to loud sounds
• Ignores new faces
• Seems upset by unfamiliar people or surroundings

4 to 7 months

Milestones

Your baby is fully engaged with the world now: She smiles, laughs, and has babbling "conversations" with you. And she's on the move – by 7 months she can probably roll to her tummy and back again, sit without your help, and support her weight with her legs well enough to bounce when you hold her. She uses a raking grasp to pull objects closer and can hold toys and move them from one hand to another.

Your baby is more sensitive to your tone of voice and may heed your warning when you tell her "no." She also knows her name now and turns to look at you when you call her.

Peekaboo is a favorite game and she enjoys finding partially hidden objects. She views the world in full color now and can see farther. If you move a toy in front of her, she'll follow it closely with her eyes. Watching herself in a mirror is sure to delight her.

Your role      

Your baby thrives on the interactions she has with you, so integrate play into everything you do with her.  Shower her with smiles and cuddles, and reply when she babbles to encourage her communication skills. Read together every day, naming the objects you see in books and around you.

Give her lots of opportunities to strengthen her new physical skills by helping her sit and positioning her to play on both her stomach and back. Before she can crawl, be sure to childproof your home and keep her environment safe for exploring.

Provide a variety of age-appropriate toys and household objects (like wooden spoons or cartons) to explore. Work on establishing a routine for sleeping, feeding, and playtime.

By 6 months, she may be ready to start solid food.

Red flags

Each child develops at her own pace, but talk to your child's doctor if your baby:

• Seems very stiff or floppy
• Can't hold her head steady
• Can't sit on her own
• Doesn't respond to noises or smiles
• Isn't affectionate with those closest to her
• Doesn't reach for objects

8 to 12 months

Milestones

Look at your baby go! He's become an eager explorer, and it might surprise you how quickly he can get around when he crawls or scoots. He can sit on his own now and grabs anything he can to pull himself up to standing and "cruise." He might even take some solo steps before his first birthday.

His babbling sounds more like real conversation, and you'll hear his first words – often "mama" or "dada." Soon he'll talk in simple phrases, but in the meantime he uses gestures to indicate what he wants – or doesn't want! – and pays close attention to your words.

His hands are increasingly nimble: He amuses himself putting things in containers and taking them out again. He can use his thumb and finger in a pincer grasp to eat finger food. Your baby loves to be just like you by combing his own hair, drinking from a cup, and pretending to talk on the phone.

While he may seem outgoing, he's probably reserved around strangers. And when you leave him, he may become distraught – separation anxiety is normal at this age.

Your role

Keep talking to your baby: This is a critical time for his language development. Describe your routine, what you're doing now and what you're going to do next, and what you see. Describing how you think your baby is feeling helps him learn emotions. Keep readingtogether and play peekaboo, hide-and-seek, and turn-taking games.

As he gets more active, it's important to provide a safe space to explore. He may not bewalking quite yet, but you can help him get ready by holding him in a way that puts weight on his legs or by propping him up against the sofa.

Pay attention to what he enjoys, and give him the freedom to use all his senses to play and discover. Offer him crayons and paper, stacking blocks, empty food containers, and pots and pans to play with.

Praise and reward good behavior. If he gets into mischief, a brief "no" and redirection is usually enough. Although he's too young to understand and obey rules, you can start showing him which behaviors aren't allowed and helping him find more appropriate activities.

Be respectful of his separation anxiety: Build trust by giving him time to get used to new caregivers and always saying goodbye before you leave.

Red flags

Each child develops at his own pace, but talk to your child's doctor if your baby:

• Doesn't crawl
• Seems to drag one side while he's crawling for a month or more
• Can't stand with support
• Doesn't try to find objects you've hidden in front of him
• Doesn't say any words
• Doesn't use gestures, such as shaking his head "no" and pointing

For more info, visit:

http://www.babycenter.com