> While reading "The Bi-Polar Child" book, I noticed that the 
> authors equate fussy, irritable babies with children who turn 
> out to be bi-polar (manic depressive). I found this a very 
> interesting link. How many babies do we see that are just 
> "not right with the world"? Or even toddlers and young children.

Fussiness was the most memorable thing about my 3rd born, 48 years ago,
decades before GERD became the diagnosis de jour. Breastfed 5 days, then
homemade formula- I don't want to go there to the ancient history of
breastfeeding knowledge/mis-management and archaic medical advice then.
Seemed like he was "born angry", and I felt  disillusioned because
nothing I could do could seem to content him for long. He arched his back
and didn't seem to want to be held for his feedings, and at 5 months, I
let him hold his own bottle from there on in. Finally, at 17 months, I
decided that was time to get rid of his pacifier, and that night, he woke
me up 4 times crying. After the 3rd awakening, I decided to lay on a
blanket on the floor beside his crib, and before he cried out the next
time, I heard loud gastric noises. Knowing what I now know, I suspect
some form of GERD was the main problem. At 2-3 years old he was still
waking me up 6-7 times at night, twice as often than his breastfed 3
month old brother. But I also noted that he was more sensitive to light,
sound, touch etc. and kept me on my toes for years. Finally discovered he
was a gifted child, perfect pitch, cross-country athlete, all-around
musician, etc. etc., graduated second in his law school class and now
very successful in his profession, with a wonderful family.

Based on my own experience, I have often told moms who found their kids
very challenging that they just might have a gifted child. I'm glad I had
that message to give them. Even if it never panned out, it at least gave
them hope and a positive attitude about the challenges.

Jean
*****************
K. Jean Cotterman RNC, IBCLC
Dayton, Ohio USA

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