Feeding Evaluation

Olivia had her feeding evaluation today.  It was about an hour long and Abigail sat in her stroller the entire time and played with her rattle.  Did not make a peep!  The lady who did the evaluation said she had never seen a better behaved baby. LOL!  As long as she doesn’t expect her to act like that every time. 

The therapist worked with Olivia a bit and then talked with me. Olivia really liked her, which is a huge plus and makes our lives easier.  We will be meeting twice a week with her.  She thinks Olivia does have some sensory difficulties, but also some underlying digestive issues.  The past few months, Olivia has started this new thing with swallowing air and making her tummy growl.  It gives her awful, awful gas.  Seriously. . .embarrassing, loud, smelly gas.  We don’t know why she is doing it or even what she is doing exactly.  The therapist is going to talk with Olivia’s pediatrician, but we will most likely be referred to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City for further testing.  Finally, though, someone is acting aggressively.  Olivia has barely gained 1/2 lb within the past year, which nobody is happy about.  Again, I’ve been concerned about it her entire life when no one else was.  She was never tube fed after leaving the NICU, so everyone just seemed to dismiss her and not identify her as someone needing help.  It is so so frustrating!!  It is also so hard because Olivia is the kind of child who is very anxious about any kind of procedure or test or surgery.  Poor girl has eye surgery on Thursday and then all of this to deal with.  Not to mention she is very anxious about kindergarten.  We could just really really really use some prayers.  I just want her to gain weight and I have no idea anymore how to help her.  I have stressed over it for almost 6 years now with NO assistance.  Needless to say, I’m ready for some help and for some answers.  I will keep you updated.