I've appreciated the generous sharing from mothers who have troubled
children. Having a child who's following a different path is a major
challenge in our competitive society.  I call it "full frontal parenting"
after 20 years of a challenged child. 

How is this relevant to LC's?  We spend so many hours staring at babies that
our antennae are extremely sensitive to anything falling outside the range
of normal.  We are also focused on hearing the mother.  the baby's doctor
may be focused on what s/he sees in the 15-30 mins the baby is being
examined and not hear the gentle noises of concern the mother is making.
And, after all, mothers want everything to be normal - right?  

Isn't it Linda Smith who says "the mother is always right"?  As LC's we will
hear the mother's concerns and she may feel more free to share with us her
misgivings - we may spend hours with her (phone, home, office visit) and be
able to pick up on subleties.  

I totally agree with the recent comment that of course not all extremely
fussy babies are going to be bipolar!  However, many of us have seen those
babies that fall outside the norm and are dx'd later (usually 6m+) with
sensory issues and much later with other disorders. 

An LC has a unique ability to give a heads-up to the baby's hcp.  When I
warn the Peds I work with that all is not happy, they will pay more
attention to small developmental delays they might have let go otherwise.
And may refer to OT sooner, not later.  And will pay close attention to
concerns the mother raises that the ped might otherwise have dismissed in an
attempt to provide reassurance.

Thankfully most children are just wonderfully fine.  But it's such a help to
the parents to catch differences early.

Joanna Koch, IBCLC, N. Cal.

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