LifeisGood - our paed is at the Mater but the feeding team he has referred us to is not the Mater Childrens' one - it is a private one off site. I wonder why he didn't refer us to the hospital one...? Do you think that DS's vomitting was related to low muscle tone? What are the signs of low muscle tone in a baby?
Doubletrouble and Rainbowbrite - thank you for sharing. I did get the impression that most babies who see a feeding team do so for a very underweight child. My DS is still around the 50% and indeed looks a bit chubby! Both times I've taken DS2 to the paed he has suggested to hopsitalise him and "whack" a NGT in (his words!) but I've said no, unless it is absolutely the last resort. He seemed very quick to suggest it for no particular reason (seeing as DS2 is a good size!).
Maruschke - we are going okay, just, thanks hun. Last week he dropped 40g and this week he seems to have put on 400g! He's feeding 2 - 2.5 hourly during the day and only poos every 5 days or so. We still have bouts of crying after feeds and lots of vomits. Sometimes he seems "normal" and sometimes I am convinced there is something else medically wrong with him. Just hanging out for 4 months, surely it will get better then...
I am not sure why he didn't refer you to the hospital one...perhaps it's an age thing? I know that the programme Mikey will be in to get assessed is for older kids (they have picnics and stuff as part of the assessment). I would be very interested to know, actually. I hope it isn't because they aren't any good...
Low muscle tone only becomes evident when they are older. Clumsiness, slow to reach physical milestones like walking - that sort of thing. DS walks with a strange gait and he walks heavily on his arches - so not really something you would pick up that early. It is largely hereditary and does rectify itself over time...they just need to get more exercise than the average kid. May be worth an ask if it is related to anything gastric complaints?
Have you asked him why he is being so hasty with the NGT? It sounds awfully premature, especially with only being on the 50th percentile. Perhaps he has a legitimate reason? If he / his reasoning doesn't sit well with you, I would be looking at getting a second opinion (the first paed we saw was an absolute shocker!). It's your kid, your instinct and you really need to feel comfortable with the care you / your son are in and the advice you are being given.
Your DS sounds so much like mine and, at 4.5 months, we noticed a marked improvement in him. He was such an unhappy little chap during those early months and it was almost overnight that he became a happier, more content boy.
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