 |
Feeding SkillsIn Low Muscle Tone Infants with Down SyndromeLow Muscle Tone Infants Most children with Down Syndrome have some degree of low muscle tone. This affects not only the large muscles, but the smaller muscles of the mouth and face as well. Babies use their oral and facial muscles to suck and swallow, whether it be from a bottle or at the breast. Sooooo, if the muscles in these areas have low tone, then the baby will have a weak suck. What does all this mean for your little one? Well, most low muscle tone infants with Down Syndrome will gain enough oral motor tone to enable them to eat on their own so not to worry. The appropriate therapies are crucial to the development of these skills though. (Click here for help with breastfeeding your special needs baby) breastfeeding your special needs baby. They also may not have the "rooting reflex" as most other babies do. Not to worry though, your baby will learn how to feed. My little chunky monkey is evidence of this! When Sam was born he spent eleven days in the NICU (not because of the Down Syndrome, but because he came four weeks before his due date). The first time I was able to get up and go see him (I had a c-section so it was at least 12 hours) I tried to nurse him but he would have nothing to do with it. It was a very frustrating visit. I think I tried once more at another visit, but it was just too taxing on both of us. He did not need the extra stress on his little body. So we gave him bottles, and we were all much happier. What does all this mean? Well, most low muscle tone infants with Down Syndrome will gain enough oral motor tone to enable them to eat on their own. This leads me to the next point... Back Home
|
