United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Okay all of you experienced moms,I need help. Carson is about 6weeks post-opt from primary. We are back in therapy and ready to get this arm moving. We are having the hardest time getting him to spend anytime on his tummy. He may last 30seconds and then he screams. We have tried the boppy and also bolsters in therapy. Do you have any suggestions? I know that this is normal, the weight on the bpi arm has to be uncomfortable, but our PT really wants me to work on this ALOT at home. Thanks for any advice! Jamie

I am laughing b/c before I even read the post by Louise I was going to tell you to get on your tummy in front of Carson b/c that's one of the only things that worked for Ella.
Ella had to spend lots of time on her tummy b/c she had problems with her head shape along with her BPI. She never really liked it and didn't last long in that position. Once she knew how to roll over that was it...forget the tummy. So I had to come up with lots of things to get her to stay there. The thing that worked best for me was to get Hannah, Ella's big sister, and myself to lay in front of her on the floor and just laugh and play with her. Another thing that worked wonders was putting a mirror on the floor right in front of her. She would stay on her belly and admire herself the whole time.
Just some ideas that may help you! Good luck b/c I know how hard it is!
~Krista~

how about you laying down on your back with a big pillow under your head - or two or three or four... and put carson on your chest - he'll have you, your warmth, the coziness of your body and he'll be weight bearing and not knowing it too much...

just an idea,
francine

Those are GREAT suggestions. Thanks so much. I'll let you know how it works out. He is such a demanding little guy these days. Jamie

I also got down on my tummy to help Juliana. Luckily, I also had 3 other kids who liked to help out. They would get down on their tummies and "do therapy." However, Juliana still did not last long. She still could not push off that arm and she knew it.

I also got an unbreakable mirror and put that in front of her. All babies like to look at themselves (oy, and so do 11 year olds!!!).

Also, give it time. Lots of 30 second intervals, add up. Plus, over time, Carson may get used to it.

good luck,
claudia

oh yes--- the water filled pat mat with fishies floating in it! that one was a winner! (fill it with warm water if it's the kind you have to fill)

YES!! Francine is so right. I forgot about that one. We bought the one you have to fill. Ella was in love with that toy. It worked out well b/c she would lay in front of it and when she got bigger she would sit up in front of it and use her hands (as therapy, in my book) to poke the toys in there.
~Krista~

Where do I get a "pat mat" I have never seen them. I do have to say that Carson's PT had a great idea today and it WORKED! They have a square swing at the therapy room where we go and she put a wedge on it. She got on her knees behind him and just did a slight swinging motion while I was in front of him. It really was great. I think that he lasted 5 minutes or more. Of course I don't have a square swing hanging from my ceiling at home.THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE GREAT ADVICE!
Jamie

Jamie:
We got our Pat Mat at Wal Mart, but just yesterday I saw an ad in one of the inserts in the Value Mail I receive. Not sure if you get Value Mail (the envelope with baby coupons).
I bet you can find it on line somewhere too.
Here is one link I found, but this one is different and a bit larger than the one we had.
http://toys.cheaps.us/B000066666.html
Hope this helps.
~Krista~