Suggestions and resources for a baby with reflux, Cerebral Palsy, other issues...

[gatorsmom]

Greenbean's Physical Therapist told me that one of her clients has a baby with CP. Apparently she doesn't have family nearby to help and the mom is exhausted. Since I"ve mentioned these boards to the PT before, she told this client she'd ask me for resources since I seem so well connected (sad to think I"M the one she thought of as a resource, isn't it? :ROTFLMAO: ). Anyway, I told her I'd ask you moms for any information YOU might know of. The mom and dad would like to have a night out, but don't know of anyone qualified to care for this baby besides them. The mom said the baby wakes himself up frequently and wants to nurse to calm down and go to sleep (I suggested trying cosleeping), the mom would love a support group....

Anyone here have any advice, suggestions or resources for the parents dealing with this?

big TIA!

[sariana]

Here in California we have Regional Centers that help families with children with special needs. When we thought DS's toe-walking might be caused by CP, our local RC gave me information about local organizations that provide support for families dealing with CP. Does your state have something similar (an Early Intervention program)?

As it turns out, DS does not have CP, so I can't provide any support there. I do know that our Regional Centers have been wonderful for us and for others I have met now that DS is in public (special ed) preschool. Sadly, they may not be around much longer what with CA's huge budget mess.

[almostamom]

I'm in AZ, but I do know of a family here that received exactly the type of help you're looking for through Early Intervention. The mother was provided with help during the day (not every day, but on a regular basis) and they were permitted a certain number of hours of a qualified babysitter per month.

HTH,
Linda

[kijip]

Is Easter Seals in your area? My brother has CP and Easter Seals:

-Provided physical therapy
-Provided parenting support groups for my parents
-Matched my parents with qualified caregivers for what is now called respite care.
-Sent my brother to camp when he got older

This was all 20 years ago but they were invaluable to my family.

[BabyMine]

I would start here. It is the link for early intervention in your state.
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/mcshn/ecip.htm


We went through this program. The therapists there might know of an organize that has specially trained sitters.

Here is a site for parents in your state that have children with CP.
http://www.cerebralpalsy.org/cerebral-palsy-assistance/minnesota/

Here is the contact info for a family support group for CP
UCP of Minnesota
1821 University Ave. South
Suite S-286
St. Paul, MN 55104
Ph. (651) 646-7588

Here is a site that has babysitters who work with kids that have special needs.
http://www.care.com/special-needs-p1162.html

I feel for these parents. I wish I could personally help them.

[tiapam]

Does the PT know about Signing Time? Leah's younger sister Lucy has CP and spina bifida. They do have forums that are somewhat active, too:

http://www.signingtime.com/

[hellbennt]

the forum where I'm a Moderator is very supportive:)
I don't know of CP forums but the women at infantreflux might...
(link in sig)