CHKD Health & Surgery Center (Newport News) issued the following announcement on Jan. 25
Have you ever loved someone so much that it changed your entire world? That’s what happened when our cranio child, Cash was born. I prayed harder, loved harder, and fought harder. Cash was born with a unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. He struggled with feeding, food allergies, and gaining weight during his first 10 days of life.
Everyone told me how proud they were of us and how well we were doing. What we didn’t know right away was that Cash’s birth defect immediately qualified us for early intervention services. We felt like we were navigating with a canoe in white water rapids. The CHKD craniofacial team provides amazing support, but it’s still scary.
We battled delays in feeding, motor skills, and language development. I had taught school for four years prior to Cash’s arrival. Everyone seemed to think that it automatically prepared us for handling this beautiful baby. Finally, at a routine pediatrician appointment, I begged for help and we were connected with our local intervention agency.
I proudly, but hesitantly, accepted help.
What would they think of:
My house?
Me working?
Why I waited so long to get help?
My child?
My parenting?
I personally understand that there is a stigma that seems to come with “needing help.” It’s the first thing that comes up with most moms who ask me questions about my early intervention.
I eventually resigned from my teaching position (which I loved). Early intervention impacted my life so positively that I changed career paths. It’s not to say I’ll never go back to the classroom; I loved teaching. I knew, at age 10, that I wanted to teach. But right now, my heart is heavy to share how vitally important early intervention is. I have a child who is no longer developmentally delayed. At age 4, he is identifying all letters and most letter sounds, writing his name, and adding numbers. He is on target for his speech and language development.
I was convinced to call early intervention services by asking myself this question: “Would I regret getting him help if he truly needed it?” I didn’t know if he needed help, but I knew I wanted their opinion.
They came in with a force of knowledge, skills, and resources. We saw a noticeable difference after just one to two visits. More importantly, we felt more prepared and equipped to provide for our child.
For all moms who have questions, I am evidence that early intervention works.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up