Pediatric PT - Its Not Just For Kids

Have you ever started a new job and found out there really was no training. Maybe your boss is too busy to sit with you and your support systems are remote/living in another city. Day One you are thrown into the deep end and told to swim; figure it out; be creative and come up with new ideas. You don't even know where the coffee maker or the bathrooms are but you're supposed to be on point, multi-tasking and kicking butt with your new client.

Now imagine that job is being a new parent. You arrive home from the hospital and you can't get in touch with the pediatrician. Your spouse may have to go back to work immediately and your family members live in another state. The world just assumes that because you love your newborn more than life itself that you know what to do to care for him, keep him safe, help him develop. Breastfeeding is hard. Formula feeding can be equally as hard if your little one doesn't tolerate the first one tried well. Getting your baby to sleep. Giving the first bath. What if they are constipated? Crying and you don't know why?? ANDDDD... you want me to play with my baby and do tummy time? That's a lot on the first day, week, month of this new job that you wanted so badly and are so happy to have.

A Pediatric PT is just one member of a group of therapists that can help you train for your new position as "Parent - Supervisor to Small People in your Household". A PT is there to help you learn about your baby and all the developmental milestones that will happen. We are experts at the human body, big and small. Your baby and you will benefit from learning positioning and holding techniques that help baby relax for feeding and sleep or become alert for tummy time and play. It can be intimidating to stretch a newborn but a PT can show how to do it properly.

The Back to Sleep initiative and other recommendations about sleep and cribs can be confusing. A PT can help you learn to swaddle correctly with safe positions for hips. There are so many products on the market for swaddling and sleep sacks, and believe me, every package says theirs is the best. We can help you sort through the options and find the best one FOR YOU. We also help you work around Back to Sleep with positions during the day that will help keep baby's head round and neck flexible.

A Pediatric PT can also help you determine which toys and containers are really necessary. Both these items will take over your home. I don't know about you but a messy "work space" interferes with my productivity at my "job". If you only have what you need, you will not only save money but be less stressed about all the gear your "new co-worker" brings to your home office. There are so many containers on the market that professionals recommend staying away from. Its good to hear the reasoning behind those thoughts which will allow you to make informed decisions.

And of course, a PT can help you with facilitating gross motor development. Your new job's handbook may not clearly explain when all these milestones are going to happen. In fact your new job probably didn't come with a handbook. Having a professional lead you through these first few months can be so valuable. You don't need to know it all on the first day. You can meet with a PT for mentoring on a regular basis (just like a 30-60-90 day review with your boss at work) to get reassurance that you are not alone and are on the right track.

Your enthusiasm for your new position is duly noted. You are prepared to start your new life as a parent. You may need some guidance and soon you'll be Employee of the Month.