4month check up, Ran into some Issues

When we took Rowyn to her 4month check up...
As always I had MUCHO questions for him... I always have a list, which in some way i think he appreciates.
...Questions for Dr. Foster...
1. When can Rowyn get a Flu Shot?
Response: At 6months, so next visit, she will do yet another round of shots and she can get her flu shot then.




2. When can i expect her to start teething?
She is drooling like crazy already!
Response: Probably around 9months, but he has seen children as early as 4months cut teeth.









3. How much formula should she be eating in a days time?
I read online that you should calculate 2.5oz per oz of weight, well for Rowyn that means 44.75oz

And broken up into 5 feedings a day, that comes to almost 9oz each feed... that just seemed like to much to me.

Response: 32-34oz

So, we are right on track... 8am:8oz, 11am:6oz, 2pm:6oz, 5pm:6oz, 8pm:8oz = 34oz


5. When can we start solid foods?
Response: 6months











6. Is there drops/ointment that I can use to unclog her tear ducts?
I have friends who have been telling me about medicine(ERYTHROMYCIN OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT) they got from their peditricians for their kids clogged ducts.

Response: No, just keep wiping with warm wash cloth, this ointment is used more for redness in the whites of the eyes.






7. Is this something we should worry about?
Forgive the camera lens cap dangling in the way.

The flat spot on the back right side of her head.

Response: Rowyn has a condition called TORTICOLLIS.







Torticollis, also known as "wryneck," is a condition in which baby's head is tilted. The chin points to one shoulder, while the head tilts toward the opposite shoulder. Congenital torticollis occurs at or shortly after birth.

No, this is not Rowyn,...lol... this is just an illistration from Web MD.

Our pediatrician also said that basically there are muscles in the neck, one on each side, under the ear stretching down to the collar bone. When one of the muscles is weaker than the other, it causes the baby to favor turning her head to one side.

This in turn causes POSITIONAL PLAGIOCEPHALY(flat spot on back of her head)

Technically, plagiocephaly is "a malformation of the head marked by an oblique slant to the main axis of the skull." However, more recently, the term has been applied to any condition characterized by a persistent flatten spot on the back or side of the head (also know as flat head syndrome).

Our peditrician referred us to a pediatric physical therapist.

Solari Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Services(SPOT)(OT and PT)
Director: Kim Solari OTR, SIPT certified
12850 Hillcrest Road, Suite 108
Dallas, TX 75230
972-404-1718

Our peditrician said that the therapist should be able to evaluate Rowyn and determine what stage she is in, then they will probably work with her stretching her neck, and showing us stretches and activities to do at home with her to further her improvement. He then stated, "If the therapy doesn't work" "We will have to look into getting Rowyn fitted for a Cranial Helmet"

I read somewhere recently that these run between $3,000-$6,000. HOLY MOSES! But you gotta do what you gotta do...right?

Here is some other info.

Tummy Time Severity Assessment Before & After Photos October Photos Brochure

I called and left a message at the therapist office to set up an appointment, and get this... the doctor herself called me back directly... wow, i thought... she was extremly nice and very reassuring. She said that they were not one of those offices that would just string you along, ...treatment, after treatment... just so they can bill your insurance and make more money...

She said that she would be glad to show me some things i could do at home with Rowyn so hopefully we would not have to go back and see them at all.

My concerns that i expressed to her were...

I didnt think Rowyn had TORTICOLLIS...everything i had been reading says that it is painful to the child, and that the baby would favor one side...
Rowyn can turn her head fully in both directions, and she doesnt appear to be in any kind of pain.

To the Right.

To the Left.

Well now that i look at these pictures side by side, im not as convinced as i was... but all the more reason to take her to see the therapist and get it all check out.

Also, this doctors office is considered OUT OF NETWORK... so i will basically be paying in full for every visit... which, granted... you gotta do what you gotta do... but I sure didnt want to be throwing $250 down the tubes just because of an unnecessary diagnosis...
But, then again... I have to take her, just to make sure... how can i not...right?
Anyways... the doctor was extremely nice and reassuring... i was impressed... so i went ahead and scheduled an appt.

We are going Thursday 10-16-08(Our 4yr anniversary i might add, together 7yrs3m)

So please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I will update you all tomorrow when we get home.

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Love, Chris, Megan & Rowyn Sommer

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