We're Back!

We finally fixed our computer, for sure, this time. We had to back everything up and wipe it. But we're back. :)

I was feeling pretty defeated about Rory's feeding evaluation, but it took me a few days to realize that what they have helped us with already is actually working....sort of. Rory is no longer refusing at the start of meals. We are feeding her purees, and she is consistently eating about a tbsp before starting to spit and refuse. This is still concerning, but it's better than nothing. I also realized that I shouldn't just settle if the doctors have pre-conceived ideas about Rory's feeding problems. Yes, she ate great at the evaluation, but it doesn't change the fact that she can't survive without formula, on a couple tbsps a day. SO, I called the co-ordinator and spoke with her about a number of issues and questions that I had and i feel MUCH MUCH better.

I asked her what we are supposed to do when she starts to spit out her food. Initially we were told to reward and praise when she takes a bite, but now we must make her wait until she swallows the food before reward and praise. Needless to say, mealtimes have not been great since this new approach. We are also supposed to tell her sternly, "NO SPITTING". Another question I had was how much "ignoring" should we do before ending the meal. Seriously, after a few refusals, I KNOW whether or not Rory will continue eating. She said after a half dozen or so ignorals....lol...ignorings?.....refusals and ignorances....lol....anyway, then we should end the meal. I also asked if we should reduce her formula intake since she was obviously hungry the other day after vomiting her breakfast. She decided not to mess with her formula until we've had the scope and spoken to the GI. It will do more harm than good to try to "starve her to eat" if she is having medical issues that cause her pain. Soooooo, we'll discuss that at her next feeding on July 2.

I also re-iterated that Monday's feeding was NOT the norm...that's she's not eaten fruit since, but that she IS catching on to the positive reinforcement. It's just a matter of getting her comfortable enough to continue the meal past 5 minutes and 5 bites. My friend Sarah told me that the squeaky wheel gets the oil, so I decided that I would not be defeated, and that I will continue to push the doctors to realize that YES, Rory DOES have feeding difficulties, even if it is just caused by reflux. It's been so long trying to get this far, I think I convinced myself the same thing would happen again....she'd be pushed aside and we'd be made to wait another 6 months to a year for someone to listen.

So, yeah, it's been an intersting few days, and I'm kind of glad the computer was wacky. I was able to clear my thoughts and look at things with a new perspective.