As we continue to learn more each day not only about parenthood, but about preemie-parenthood specifically, we are relieved that it does appear every once in a while we figure something out. It might be due in part to the combined 2,000 pages in Preemie reading we have amassed since joining the land of nursery-care two weeks ago, but to some extend, gratefully, logic also sets in occasionally. As such, by carefully watching and listening to Luka's signals, we have learned that it is much preferable not to handle him while on his back, as much as possible. Obviously this is not possible when, for instance, changing his diaper - but it is when lifting him.
Turns out babies have two highly developed instincts, one is a startle reflex usually triggered by a loud noise, and the other is a fear of falling. Full term babies spend much of the last trimester in a tight 'flexed' position in the womb, as their size increases and they have less room to stretch out in. When a baby is born prematurely, he misses out on much of this 'flex' time, and therefore his 'extensor' muscles become over-developed. Therefore, it is important to ensure a preemie gets ample stimulation of their 'flexor' muscles, generally by simply relaxing the extensor muscles. Preemies are also less able to flex their own muslces, i..e, bring their legs up or arms in, and need a little assistance in doing this. Notably, whenever they are in distress, they will immediately kick their legs straight out, flail their arms above their head and arch their neck and back. The easiest way to calm them, is to pull the knees up to the belly, tuck the arms, and firmly hold them in this position, recreating a contained womb-like environment (the hand womb).
We have noticed that whenever we move Luka from the bed to the chest or vice versa, and he is on his back, that he goes into the strongly extended position - so we started thinking, perhaps we should flip him over, and move him on his side or belly. Well, turns out, even the book agrees! Apparently the effects of gravity on a premature baby who is moved in the vulnerable supine position, causes them a lot of stress, which can be avoided by rolling them onto their belly and lifting them up face down. This position allows the abdominal and shoulder muscles to flex, and removes the sensation that he is falling. We started experimenting with this yesterday with much success (see photograph).
Turns out babies have two highly developed instincts, one is a startle reflex usually triggered by a loud noise, and the other is a fear of falling. Full term babies spend much of the last trimester in a tight 'flexed' position in the womb, as their size increases and they have less room to stretch out in. When a baby is born prematurely, he misses out on much of this 'flex' time, and therefore his 'extensor' muscles become over-developed. Therefore, it is important to ensure a preemie gets ample stimulation of their 'flexor' muscles, generally by simply relaxing the extensor muscles. Preemies are also less able to flex their own muslces, i..e, bring their legs up or arms in, and need a little assistance in doing this. Notably, whenever they are in distress, they will immediately kick their legs straight out, flail their arms above their head and arch their neck and back. The easiest way to calm them, is to pull the knees up to the belly, tuck the arms, and firmly hold them in this position, recreating a contained womb-like environment (the hand womb).
We have noticed that whenever we move Luka from the bed to the chest or vice versa, and he is on his back, that he goes into the strongly extended position - so we started thinking, perhaps we should flip him over, and move him on his side or belly. Well, turns out, even the book agrees! Apparently the effects of gravity on a premature baby who is moved in the vulnerable supine position, causes them a lot of stress, which can be avoided by rolling them onto their belly and lifting them up face down. This position allows the abdominal and shoulder muscles to flex, and removes the sensation that he is falling. We started experimenting with this yesterday with much success (see photograph).
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| Known in Australia as the 'Rugby Hold' - we hope Chris handles Luka better than he did a rugby ball...but hey, give him a break, he is only a prop! |
Hey - I have photograpic evidence of my BB holding a rugby ball - while dragging two opponents across the field! So I have my money firmly on him being able to cradle and protect his first-born-son better than any rugby ball!
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