I Am a New Mom and I Lost My Mom a Month Before My Daughter Was Born........

Yep, get a second opinion. If you ever have doubts, always get a second opinion. It's better to be safe than sorry.

A.:

Welcome to mamapedia!!!

Congratulations on your new baby girl!!!

I'm sorry about the loss of your mom...that's got to be tough.

My daughter was "early" but on-time - no issues. 38 weeks.
My boys were both early and NICU babies. My oldest was 6 weeks early and in the NICU for 7 days. My youngest was 4 weeks early and in the NICU for 10 days.

Hypertonia is common in preemies. It NORMALLY resolves itself. Neither of my boys had it bad...it's just stiff muscles...however, if you are not comfortable - seek a second opinion.

I cannot STRESS ENOUGH to stay off internet searching for hypertonia - you will get results that will scare you - right now - you don't need to be scared. You need to trust the doctors who are caring for your daughter in the NICU.

Here's a previous question here with someone who experienced hypertonia.

http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/12304731598481326081

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertonia

If you want a second opinion...get one...never hurts!!

Hi A., hypertonia is stiff muscles, fairly common in preemies.

I found this site for moms of preemies discussing hypertonia.

http://www.inspire.com/groups/preemie/discussion/hyperton...

I am not very familiar with this dx, but I DID have a 26 week preemie and he WAS called hypertonic. He did not receive any treatment, it just resolved itself on its own.

Was is your regular doctor suggesting treatment should be? It might just be part of a PT or OT plan.

I would write down all my questions, especially what treatment plan entails, then call and speak with your ped at length. Tell the ped what the neurologist said.

Good Luck, Congrats on the new baby. So sorry about your mom.

:)

**This one looks interesting too.http://www.livestrong.com/article/516032-infant-with-very...

Give the name of your neurologist to your pediatrician and tell him what the neurologist said...and vice versa with your neurologist.

Then get a 2nd opinion.

So sorry about the loss of your mother. I know they can be anchors for new moms. But be brave for your daughter and you will find your way. Good luck.

A., I'm so sorry about your mother. You have so much on your heart to bear, I know. It is doubly hard having to go through so much with your new child, especially having two doctors disagree on a diagnosis.

Is the neurologist you are seeing a pediatric neurologist? I assume that you can tell that your baby's muscles are tense and a bit rigid, right? If your neurologist doesn't think it's hypertonia, what DOES he think?

Sometimes, hypertonia can be a part of cerebral palsy. I wonder if THAT is what your neurologist is discounting. Take a look at this simplified explanation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertonia
It explains that some forms of hypertonia can be cerebral palsy, and mild cerebral palsy, at that.

I have a friend with twins and one of the twins had this. She had a surgery done to loosen one of her muscles so that she could walk better. The surgery was very successful. After a year or so, you couldn't tell that she had hypertonia or mild cp, and she continued with physical therapy until she got older. She is in middle school now, and you would never know it.

The point is, it could be just semantics as far as the neurologist is concerned. That's what you need to determine. Whatever they want to categorize it as, what matters is getting therapy done for her or anything else that makes it so you have the flexibility you need to get her help. Doing nothing is NOT an option.

Good luck,
Dawn

Oh A., my heart took a lurch when I saw this. I am so sorry about your mom. I can't help with this question,want your little one to be fine and well, even if I cannot help there are a lot of amazing moms who can. And when we can't I know I offer prayers and let you know I care.And I know there are others out there who do.

HUG

Takenherntonget a physical therapy evaluation and also get a second opinion with neurologist. However I think a physical therapist would be better.

Sending prayers to you and your sweet baby. I don't know what this is but you do need to get another dr.s advice. Why did you go to a nerologist in the first place, did you doc advise it? If this is the kind of doctor that usually handles this, I take her to another one, a ped. specialist. Did the baby's doc say what to do about it since he said she definitely has it? I'd ask more questions first of the baby's doctor and ask him to explain the diagnosis and prognosis and decide from there even if you plan to take her another doctor.

I'm sure your little wee one will be fine.

It must be terribly hard to lose your mom at this time. My grandfather died a few months before the birth of my first child and I know that wasn't easy. And this is much more difficult. Keep yourself as calm as you can and keep your heart strong in prayer.

I'm praying for you.

God's Blessings upon you and your baby for light, love, tenderness and sweet love - your mom is watching, she's near and present and only wants the very best for you and baby.

So sorry about your mom. I know it must be very hard to go through everything as a new parent without your mom to turn to.

I would suggest seeing another neurologist and making sure it is specifically a pediatric neuro, not a general neuro. Diagnosing is the key to getting her help. If she does have it, she will need some physical therapy (to help with gross motor skills) and possibly occupational therapy (to help with fine motor skills). The sooner you know what you're dealing with, the sooner you can start working on it and moving forward.

Most of the time, hypertonia will resolve itself and kids catch up to the peers fairly quickly, though you will see some delays when she's younger.

I would definitely see another neurologist. Do you have a good children's hospital nearby?

Sending you good thoughts!

I'm not sure what hypertonia is, but here's my advice on your other part of your question. Fight for your daughter! If you think there might even be something wrong with her, go to as many doctors as it takes to make sure! My daughter started getting colds, etc when she was about 3 weeks old.. fought those off and on for a LONG time.. in my head I knew it was allergies but I never could get anyone to give her allergy meds to help (that young they cant take OTC without doc advice).. FINALLY after several different doctors, allergists, etc.. I got one to admit it was allergies and let me give her meds.. Bingo - she got better.. good luck!

Good morning - I am so sorry for all of your challenges right now!!!!!

I agree to find another pediatric neurologist - and keep looking if you're not getting answers.

Best of luck to you!