For Octomom, the Challenge Has Just Begun
I was very happy to learn Tuesday that the last of the Suleman octuplets is finally home to be with his brothers and sisters. Jonah ― the last to be sent home ― was the smallest of the bunch, weighing just 1 pound 8 ounces when they were born nine weeks early.
Click here to see pictures of Jonah and his siblings.
But now, the real challenge begins. Let us not forget that these infants were premature and that this last baby stayed in the hospital for almost 12 weeks. There is a lot of data that has been published and analyzed looking at some of the hurdles that premature babies must overcome in their early years.
To me ― as a person who delivers babies for a living ― I also have three of my own ― I am aware of the significance of paying attention to the way kids grow and develop, and how important that attention is in preventing some of these children from failing to meet their full potential.
For parents of full-term infants, paying close attention to developmental milestones is sometimes an afterthought. But for parents of premature babies, keeping track of movement, visual, social and developmental milestones could make a world of difference in identifying problems and finding solutions to meet their needs.
Most premature babies meet their milestones and catch up by the age of 2. But depending on how early an infant is born, their development may lag anywhere from 6-8 weeks in development usually during the first year of life.
It’s important to use your child’s adjusted age when tracking his or her development. For example, if your baby is 21 weeks old, but was born five weeks early, his or her adjusted age is 16 weeks (or 4 months).
Now let’s take a look at some of the milestones the American Academy of Pediatrics says parents can look out for around 16 weeks…
Motor:
o Brings hands together, or to mouth
o Lifts head and pushes on arms when on tummy
o Reaches for objects
o Turns or makes crawling movement when on tummy
Language:
o Turns head to follow familiar voices
o Laughs and squeals
o Combines sounds more often (for example, “aaah-oooh”, “gaaa-gooo”)
Activities:
o Grasps more and reaches for objects
o Brings objects to mouth
o Increases activity when sees a toy
Social/Emotional:
o Is increasingly interactive and comfortable with parents and caregivers
o Shows interest in mirrors, smiles and is playful
o Is able to comfort himself
For more guidelines and milestones at different ages, click here.
Remember: Always watch for progress and do not be afraid to ask for help from doctors, teachers or other family members.
Again, I am pleased that all eight of the children have made it home safe ― I just hope that Nadya Suleman pays as much attention to their progress as she has to publicizing their births, because it should always be about the kids.
Tags: activities, adjusted age, American Academy of Pediatrics, babies, development, developmental milestones, Dr. Manny Alvarez, emotional development, fertility, growth, guidelines, in-vitro fertilization, infants, infertility, IVF, Jonah Suleman, motor skills, Nadya Suleman, Octomom, Octuplets, parents, preemies, pregnancy, prematurity, progress, social development
Share
Human population is out of control. We live on a limited planet. I have real sympathy for the kids born these days an what they will have to struggle with when they get older…self survival.
Let’s hope that someone outside of this home is monitoring the babies’ progress – the County/State Child Protection Services, etc., as they are very vulnerable in this situation, especially with cameras/strangers in their faces every day and several different people taking care of them.
Nadya seems to be too busy running around shopping, talking to the media and not attending to her 14 children. It is very clear that she loves the spotlight and the attention she is getting, but you don’t sacrifice your children because of your needs. Also of concern, are the six other children who are part of this situation and need more attention now, especially the special needs children. Who is taking care of them and their needs? If she wanted a large family to love and take care of, why isn’t she with them and doing what a normal mother does all day? I wonder how many mothers would put their new premie babies and other small children through this circus.
I don’t believe many people are going to be interested in watching this “reality show” as it is too hard to watch and see what those children are going through and they don’t have any choice in it. Nadya is trying to take of her own personal needs at their expense. It is a sad way to financially take care of her family. She should have thought of this before having even one child.
My sister, who is now 34 years old, was born at 26 weeks. She weighed 1 lb. 4 oz. one week after her birth. She had to have open heart surgery at two days old. Not even being a part of a multiple birth, everything was against her. No one publicized her birth or survival. Yet, my sister isn’t getting rich off of her story, when it was almost unheard of for a baby to survive at that time in the early 70s. My parents were not on the news. They weren’t offered diapers or doll clothes or a new house. But, thanks to the doctors and staff at the hospital she was cared for at, she survived. Yet now, over the last years, every time there is a birth like this where a baby is born premature and weighs less than two pounds it is all over the news. Not necessarily any less of a miracle, but there have been many advances in this type of care. No doubt the mother of these babies should definitely pay attention to their development. More than anything, however, she should just be thankful, just as we are that my sister grew up into a strong healthy woman.
Nevermind all this post-natal care. This poor child (and the other 7 babies) would never have had to go through any of this torment if the mother had been sane enough to not go through this entire process. She is the most irresponsible, reprehensible, publicity-hound I have ever had the displeasure to hear about. I would ask that everyone ignore any and all attempts at fame this woman seeks.
I may not agree with the mothers decisions but still see the survival af all eight infants as a triumph of modern medicine if not a miracle. I hope and pray for their continued good health and strong growth and development. They certainly appear at this point to be surprisingly healthy
I think she is going to do just well. It’s obvious she is a very caring mother. For everyone that criticizing her, you should be praying for her and her family. It’s so awful that people want to see others fail. Are you all that unhappy that you can’t see the her blessings? Of course it’s going to be difficult. Iv’e not heard her say it was going to be easy. and she is doing what (most) any single mother would do to raise her children. You go Nadya! remember, “God is in charge.” Put your faith in him and not humans. You and your family look good and I wish you the best!