Physical Therapy

We went in for a couple physical therapy sessions at our hospital.  I really liked our therapist.  She talked with a lovely deep earthy voice and had a firm and secure touch.  She really worked Niko all around.  She stretched her limbs in all directions and placed Niko in many different positions.  

I didn’t realize until now that I hardly move Niko around at all.  Then I started to feel like a bad mother.  In general I don’t push her at all.  She doesn’t ever exert herself physically, and therefore I am not in the habit of exercising her.  When older sister Mila was a baby, she was so extremely active that I found myself chasing after her all the time.  I never had to encourage her to move around.  So now I have to remind myself all the time to help Niko use her various muscle groups to develop strength with the goal that she may enjoy some independence in the future (like sitting up or rolling over).

Because Niko hates tummy time I never place her on her stomach.  The physical therapist showed me other options that would not be so taxing on her spine while engaging the same muscle groups that tummy time would exercise.  

Here are alternative options for tummy time.

I learned a bit about Niko’s current body limitations.  She has stiffness of her arms and can hardly move her arms up to touch her head.  Her knees and ankles are also stiff.  The physical therapist advised me that to help Niko flex her feet.  Because she will not be placing her weight on her feet, they can eventually stay into a pointed position forever.  

So far Niko never uses her hands or arms.  So I've never bothered buying her grabby toys.  And in her first physical therapy session, she was able to transfer the toy from one hand to the other.  Again, I felt like a horrible mother.  The weight of her condition made me forget that I should actually treat her like a regular baby.  So I went out immediately and bought her some toys.   

Physical therapy for a five month old is not very exciting, but here are a couple videos.