Infant 340 Week 12

To be honest, the resource plan was one of my favorite assignments this semester. I felt that both that plan and the future development plan were assignments that proved our ability to apply needs and address them as we find solutions and helps. After talking to Shayna about what she wanted me to focus on, throughout the semester she kind of wanted me to focus on the goals we had made for the intervention visits, like fine motor, problem solving, and communication. In the beginning of the semester it was important for Shayna for Ivy to progress her language, but after doing the assessment and the questionnaire we learned that Ivy was great on communication, so for the resource plan that was a good time to focus on things Shayna was worried about rather than things Ivy really struggled with. There is quite a variety of resources for each domain.  

One of my favorite resources that I found was a free online PDF file that had 20 pages of colorful songs and finger plays throughout the pages, I needed up wanting to print one for me just to have as a resource. Songs and action games are helpful with communication, fine motor, gross motor, literacy, and social. Something that Ivy is just starting to love is the song “Where is Thumbkin”. I included the PDF for Shayna to get familiar with many different songs like this, that more than anything has improved Ivy’s ability to imitate her parents! Which imitation was something we were working on all semester long. 

( https://www.mdpls.org/_doc/Reading%20Ready-Rhymes%20and%20Fingerplays%20for%20Babies%20Toddlers%20and%20Preschoolers.pdf)

One day after our intervention visit Shayna asked me to look for resources about weaning. I thought this one would be an easy resource to find because it is something that all mothers struggle with I feel! Yet this was the hardest resource to find a credible source from, there were not too many resources about weaning that were credible because most of them were blogs from random women that just talked about their experience and what worked for them. In this case I feel that a lot of resources are trial and error, you cant all rely on one resource and assume that because it worked for everyone else that it must work for you too. The main point that I got from the resource that I chose had the following key points:

 ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2720508/)

 •         “The transition to weaning may be easier if you first introduce your baby to a cup instead of a bottle. Breastfed babies easily learn to drink from a cup as early as six months of age (try expressed breast milk).

•          Start off by substituting one feed, the least ‘favorite’ one of the day. Someone else may need to offer this feed for your baby to accept it.

•          When you’re ready to wean even more, substitute the next least favored feed at the opposite time of the day. Continue this way, substituting one feed at a time. The pace of weaning is up to you and your baby, but in general, the slower the better. Wait at least a few days in between each new feed before substituting another one.

•          You may want to try a ‘partial’ wean instead. This means you substitute one or more feedings with a cup or bottle and breastfeed at other times. This can work well if you are going back to work but still want to breastfeed. When you do this, make sure you check your baby’s weight gain regularly.”

Week 11 (Infant 340)

The quiet book that I made for ivy has lots of colors and textures. Because we have been working on Ivy’s fine motor development, I wanted to create an activity that she could do on her own or with someone. The book has a large knob button on the front to secure the book, and for her to practice those fine motor skills undoing the button. There are many flaps throughout the book that she can open and close. There are literacy components throughout the pages from her name on the book, to numbers, to words of animals and objects.

 Ivy loves turning pages, the felt book has so many textures that ivy will be drawn to touching and feeling with her fingers. She is also able to use her pincer grasp to pinch the different “dresses” and pick up the objects to stick on and off with Velcro. She is very curious in how the world works and exploratory so the zipper would create interest.

Ivy will be starting to learn numbers and letters. On one of the pages there is a peekaboo game with beads and numbers. Each flap has both the number symbol and number name written on the flap. She can also use the zipper up and down to practice life skills.

Shayna can model how to do each task, whether its matching shapes, or zipping the jacket. Shayna can also help ivy learn object names, animal names, numbers, and colors by pointing and sharing the reference of the quiet book. Shayna can help Ivy imitate by saying the different words aloud and helping Ivy say the words back. She can also do actions like “that is the girls hair”. “Where is Ivy’s hair?” or “there is the girls dress, where is Ivy’s dress?”

  

Infant 340 Blog Week 10

Shaelie Wood

Sister Swenson

March 11, 2017

Infant 340 Blog Week 10

This was by far the most rewarding week doing home visits. It was so so exciting. We usually go to the visit during the week around 3:00 when Ivy wakes up from her nap. This week we didn’t go until Friday at 6, which in my head I thought would be tough because it was out of the ordinary, so I was worried that the visiti might be a little flukey. We got there and Ivy was the happiest we have ever seen her. We first started with putting Ivy in her high chair to try imitating mom with the spoon and water game, I coached the mother to dip the spoon and rather than place the water in front of ivy we had the mom just hold the water and hand ivy the spoon. This was just the trick, with all the distractions out of the way, she was able to imitate mom and “scribble” and tap on the paper with the wet spoon. The next step would have to be putting the water on the tray to see if she can complete a more than one step task.

Ivy finally started stacking blocks this week! This whole semester it has been discouraging a little bit because we felt that she was capable of stacking based on the other tasks that she could do but we felt that Ivy wasn’t getting the concept so she wouldn’t try. This week Ivy finally picked up imitation. As well as when we would say the words “clean up” she was able to put the markers and other items in their containers and let go of them with her hands instead of before when she would still hold onto the items and pull them in and out without leaving them in the containers.  She was able to imitate mom and dad on four tasks this week! She also started to imitate all the actions in the animal imitate book, which was amazing and so excited to see her clap for her self when we would all praise her. It was fun having the father present at this visit, I felt that ivy was a lot happier and cooperative because she almost had a whole cheering squad- she was excited and almost in “show off” mode it was so fun to see her progress so much in the matter of one visit!

Quote: 

HWD: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2720508/

HOW DO I WEAN MY BABY?

When you and your baby are ready to wean, there are few things to remember that will make the experience a more positive one for both of you:

• If you can, it’s easiest for you and your baby if weaning is gradual – over several weeks, months or even longer. A sudden, abrupt wean should only be considered in extreme circumstances and is hard on both of you (see “Can’t I just stop breastfeeding?”).
• The transition to weaning may be easier if you first introduce your baby to a cup instead of a bottle. Breastfed babies easily learn to drink from a cup as early as six months of age (try expressed breast milk).
• Start off by substituting one feed, the least ‘favourite’ one of the day. Someone else may need to offer this feed for your baby to accept it.
• When you’re ready to wean even more, substitute the next least favoured feed at the opposite time of the day. Continue this way, substituting one feed at a time. The pace of weaning is up to you and your baby, but in general, the slower the better. Wait at least a few days in between each new feed before substituting another one.
• You may want to try a ‘partial’ wean instead. This means you substitute one or more feedings with a cup or bottle and breastfeed at other times. This can work well if you are going back to work but still want to breastfeed. When you do this, make sure you check your baby’s weight gain regularly.
• If your breasts are uncomfortable while you are weaning, try expressing enough milk so that you are comfortable. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also help. Cold compresses or gel packs applied to your breasts can also be of some comfort.
• You shouldn’t bind your breasts or drink less fluids while you’re weaning. Check your breasts regularly to make sure you aren’t developing a blocked duct, which will feel like a firm tender area of the breast. If you do, see your doctor or lactation consultant. These problems are more likely to occur during an abrupt wean.
• Watch the cues you give to your baby. If you sit in the same chair you usually use when you’re nursing, he’ll likely want to breastfeed. He probably won’t be satisfied with a cup or a cuddle.
• Some mothers choose what is called ‘infant-led weaning’. This means watching your baby’s cues and weaning at his pace (that is, never refusing the breast but also not offering the breast when he is not interested). With infant-led weaning, breastfeeding may continue for two to four years. This type of weaning is practiced by many non-western cultures

421 Week 10

Shaelie Wood

Sister Swenson

March 10, 2017

421 Reflection Blog Week 10

            I felt so passionate about my major this week. I have truly enjoyed this class and appreciate all the application we are able to experience with this course. I felt strongly about how the gospel can help those that struggle with mental health issues or other disabilities. I know that our trials guide us and others around us. Trials lead us to the lord as we humbly accept his will over our own. Sometimes our life throws things at us that we may feel unprepared or anxious about dealing with, but the lord has been through it and he is prepared to help us get through it if we are. A lot of times people around us are the way God shows that he hasn’t forgotten about us. We need to be willing to accept help from others through hard and easy times. The lord has provided means for us to succeed regardless of disability. Resources are available, as we have an open mind we can be receptive of his helping hand.

Expert Interview:

ADRIA WOOD

1.     Has your background knowledge made you more or less concerned about Cato’s development?

a. I feel like my background in early childhood education has kept me calm in regards to Cato's development. It gave me a solid understanding that all children have different talents and different needs. That being said, they grow at different rates! I don't find myself getting too caught up in his comparison to other children his age.

2.     What resources do you use to know if Cato is delayed in any domain?

a. Since Cato's only 6 months old and hasn't shown any signs of delayed development, I haven't felt the need to use any resources. I guess you could say I've been using my education as a resource to recognize delayed development.

3.     How does your parenting differ from either sisters or friends with little or no child development background?

a. When compared to some, its evident that I have way more patience in my parenting. Others, I can tell I am more relaxed in my parenting. My major taught me the importance of meeting children where they are and not having unrealistic expectations. So instead of worrying about how my child compares to other children, and trying to force him to act a certain way or perform, i actually enjoy him more!

4.     What is an experience that you have had that you realized how grateful you were for your early childhood education background since having or anticipating Cato’s arrival?

a. So this is kind of embarrassing for my husband, Kaleb, and I don't say this to degrade him at all, he is the best of the best. but when Cato was just a few weeks old and still waking up several times throughout the night, Kaleb was getting frustrated with Cato as he changed his diaper because Cato was crying and wouldn't hold still. Obviously, when you're that sleep deprived, a lot of things are frustrating. I got out of bed and just suggested that instead of trying to be louder than Cato, he talk calmly. And instead of trying to rush through the change as quickly and forcefully as possible, I suggested he go slowly so as not to make Cato feel so "handled". He did it and Cato was quiet in seconds! I feel like from my major, I knew that an infant needs to be soothed and reassured because he's out of his element in those first few weeks.

5)    5. What area(s) of development do you feel Cato is advanced in for his age? Cognitive/ problem solving, Large motor, fine motor, social, or communication? What certain influences have had an effect on Cato being advanced in that particular area?

a.     I think Cato's pretty average all around. But if I were to say he excelled in one area it would be large motor skill. I think the fact that I let him play by himself and figure himself out instead of always holding him. He has always done tummy time for more than an hour each day. I think this has helped him develop physically.

What I Learned:

Adria is my cousins wife that graduated in early childhood education. She has worked in preschools and has experience with infant intervention. She recently had a baby six months ago. I wanted to interview her because I wanted to know not only how she has dealt with her son Cato’s development but how she does it as his mom rather than an interventionist. After talking, I realized that as an interventionist they are more concerned with development and more nit picky about little things infants do and don’t do. Because Adria has a background in intervention and education, she seems a lot more relaxed with Cato’s development, because she stressed how important it is that infants grow and develop at their own rate.

She has been able to apply what she has learned not just to Cato, but also to help her parenting and help her husband Kaleb to realize that a lot of things are perfectly normal about having a baby, and it is not an issue or problem with Cato when something doesn’t go perfect.

I thought it was interesting that she said Cato is advanced in Gross Motor Skills because she has provided him opportunities to do tummy time for a long time during the day. Adria has planned activities and little things to get Cato comfortable with developing his motor skills. She says because of his age it is harder to tell if he is advanced in other domains, but he is very talkative and makes lots of sounds. Both Kaleb and Adria are really good at communicating with Cato, they are constantly talking to him and acknowledging the sounds he makes. This will help him be advanced in communication as well as social and emotional skills.

I loved what Adria said about meeting children where they are rather than having unrealistic expectations. I have felt that some parents can be very pushy for their child to walk, crawl, and get toilet trained, yet every child will develop at their own rate- and Adria appreciates the little things that Cato does rather than getting frustrated with things he hasn’t mastered yet that other infants his age have.

Many parents and extended families overreact when children are not developing at the same rate as all the infants their same age, I like that Adria noticed that her background and experience has allowed her to be confident and calm rather than obsessive and anxious about Cato’s development.

  

Quote: “Wait means to hope, anticipate, and trust”-Sister Swenson

Waiting has such a bad connotation in todays world, but with a gospel perspective, waiting provides time to grow and ease into changes, and God allows his children to grow and rely on him more. A big part of trusting God is being patient with his timing. If we allow god to be at the helm of our lives we can be sure and confident that everything will happen at the right time.

HWD: How to Wean Child

http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/weaning/how-to-wean-your-child-from-breastfeeding/

Weaning Older Babies

If your baby is 9 months or older, it's best to wean directly to a cup so you don't have to deal with getting her off the bottle in a few months. And if your baby is older than 1 year old, wear complicated clothing -- such as a dress with a zipper down the back or a buttoned-up shirt -- to help her wean. Limit her nursing time and regularly comfort her with your undivided attention.

Prevent -- or Soothe -- Engorgement

Another reason to take it slow: Rapid weaning can cause engorgement. Why? Your milk ducts miss the memo that they need to reduce milk production -- and all that milk has nowhere to go. If you're engorged, soothe the pain with cool ice packs or acetaminophen. Or reach for your trusty breast pump -- you can serve the pumped milk in a bottle or mix it with your baby's cereal.

Understand Your Emotions

Your baby isn't the only one who has to adjust while weaning. You too must deal with a whirlwind of emotions -- some moms want their bodies back; others feel rejected when their baby passes up the breast. Though you may be pleased to end nursing once and for all, it's totally natural to feel pangs of nostalgia about your baby getting older. Your best bet? Embrace her independence, know that weaning is an emotional experience, and talk to other breastfeeding mothers who can relate.

Serve Up Nutrition

For baby's first foray into solid foods, most parents start with 1 teaspoon of single-grain, iron-fortified baby cereal (such as rice cereal) mixed with 4-5 teaspoons of breast milk. Once she gets the hang of cereal, you can introduce pureed veggies, fruits, and meats. The AAP recommends trying one new food at a time and waiting at least 2-3 days before starting another to monitor any allergic reactions. Once she reaches 9-12 months old, your baby might enjoy small portions of finely chopped or mashed finger foods such as dry cereal or mashed graham crackers.