Tummy Time

A few weeks ago, Penelope + I attended the Infant Repositioning Class at the Alberta Children's Hospital.  It was a very good class + I appreciated all that I did learn from it. Basically, Penelope has to spend at least 2 hours a day like this:

And like this:

And like this:

But mostly like this:

And sometimes, but not nearly often enough, like this:

And when we go for car rides, like this:

And if you couldn't tell from the photo above, she doesn't particularly like it.

This is called a cradler + was recommended by the ACH to use while in carseats because running an hours worth of errands every day really adds up.  Plus it will come in handy when we go back to SK for Christmas.

The good news is that the physiotherapist said she doesn't have any muscle strain in her neck so we don't have to go the physio route which is quite pleasing.  She told us to keep on the tummy time + side lying exercises and it should help immensely.  She said I didn't have to wake up every few hours and go check on her because that is kinda crazy.  But I still do.  I really don't want her to wear a helmet.  A good friend of mine's son had to wear a helmet + even though it made him even more adorable (if possible) she said it was quite hard to work with.  So I check and I turn and I don't care how crazy I am!

More good news is that I have noticed a huge difference and her ears aren't as lopsided as they were previously so I am hoping no further action is required other then tummy time.  She goes to see Dr. Bernhardt on the 18th and we will see what he has to say.

I think the class also helped me deal with the guilt that I had been carrying regarding this.  I felt terrible - did I leave her in the swing too long?  Did I put her in her bouncy chair too often because I thought Finley might trample her?  Did I leave her in her carseat too long because she was finally sleeping + I needed a break? Was I spending too much time with Finley, making sure she was adjusting + still getting the attention that she both needed + wanted?  It constantly ate at me and sitting in this class with other mom's in the same situation really helped me.  One of the mom's brought her mom with her and she said that if we shaved our heads we'd have flat spots too - whether or not that is true, I really have no idea, but it definitely took a lot of the pressure off.

Fingers crossed we can avoid further treatment!