At 6 months of age, my boy wasn't quite meeting milestones that were outlined in 'What To Expect The First Year'. I spoke with a few friends who reassured me that he was just "on his own time frame", or "he will catch up." I continued to read the books, websites and talk to friends while keeping a close eye on him.
At 8 months old, I grew very concerned. The milestones he wasn't reaching were beginning to pile up, boxes void of check marks. He was unable to sit up by himself.....and the familiar sentence "If your baby isn't meeting two or more of these milestones, get in touch with a medical professional. Early intervention is key." He was almost 9 months before I was able to get him in to the pediatrician's office to talk about my concerns. That pediatrician immediately said "I've been concerned about your son since the day I met him."
What? 9 months ago?! You didn't express your concerns to first time parents, as soon as you noticed a problem?! WHAT in the actual FUCK?! He ordered a host of blood tests, and sent us off to the lab. As I sat there with my baby in my lap, my head was spinning. The blood draw quickly turned into a nightmare. The phlebotomist didn't have pediatric experience, much less infant. I called off the lab work and insisted on a visit to Children's hospital instead.
Upon going home, I did 3 things. Thing The First....called my husband to give him an overview. Next, I fired our pediatrician, and hired a new one. Best decision EVER. We still see her, and I would move out of state and follow her if she ever left. We love her that much. And lastly, after putting my son down for a nap.....I picked up that book. What To Expect The First Year. I walked out onto my deck with hot tears streaming down my cheeks, and hucked that sucker helicopter style, into the back yard fire pit. I knew immediately that there was no manual for the world of parenting I was about to enter.
No comments:
Post a Comment