Therapists

Ella was evaluated by the occupational and speech therapists this week and they believe that Ella's slower swallow development is just a maturity issue at this point. Basically she was able to take a few bottles a couple of weeks ago, however since then her sucking abilities have developed faster than her swallowing. So when she is pulling in more milk from the bottle she then doesn't know what to do with it. It should self correct itself in the next few weeks. In the meantime, she is able to take one bottle per day if/when the therapists are present. Also, the nurses will likely still conduct the video swallow study and upper GI to make sure it's just immaturity, and to see how her reflux is affecting her.

The physical therapist continues to watch Ella's neck and leg muscles to make sure they're strengthening equally on all sides. She believes that Ella is slightly overusing her outer leg & foot muscles more than her inside ones. So Ella has some special tape on her shins and ankles to force her to use certain muscles. This is a very minor issue in my opinion, just an added bonus to having expert care 24/7.


All this talk of the therapists reminds me of Sean Connery on SNL...

Weight: 6 lbs, 13 oz
Length: 18 1/4 inches
Clothing: out with the old, in with the new(borns)