Strong Foundations Conference in Minnesota

As we end Prematurity Awareness Month, a month that is near and dear to my heart, I begin to look toward January 2011 when I will be presenting at the Strong Foundations Conference in Minnesota. This conference is designed to target a healthy start for little ones. Specifically, I will be presenting on Infant Trauma and Healing. Many of us forget that even though infants do not speak or have conscious memories, they can still be traumatized by events. In relation to prematurity just take a minute to think about how many medical procedures are done on a premature infant in just five minutes after they are born? These medical procedures are necessary and life-saving, but when the child is discharged from the NICU there is a possibility that other healing needs to take place. An emotional healing that relates to trauma and somatic body memories. You can learn more about this during my presentation at the Strong Foundations Conference in Minnesota in January 2011. Visit www.TheCreativeTherapyCenter for a link to register!

Time for Reflection

I find that the more time I take for self-care the better I feel. I know this is an obvious comment, but I find that self-care often gets put the on back burner...one of those things that "I'll get to when I have time." That is ironic in itself. Take time each day to do the things you enjoy such as meditating, reading, exercising or just sitting quietly. I find that I feel much better when I have taken time for me!

Summer and Relaxation

Taking care of yourself is the best thing that you can do for you and your child! When you are in better spirits, you have more energy, you feel better and you have motivation to play! Remember, taking time to play with your child each day is important to their development. In the busy adult lives we have, we often forget to stop and play with the little ones who count on us most. Your child will grow up before your eyes and the laundry, cleaning and bills will still be there, but your child will be long grown. Let the chores sit for a little bit and take the time to enjoy the simplicity of playing!

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month! As parents, educators, counselors...adults...we need to make sure our most innocent people are protected. Teach your child about abuse. Educate them on good touch (hugs, handshakes), bad touch (punching, hitting, kicking), and secret touch (sexual, touch that is to kept a secret). Give the the words they need to have a voice!

Infant Trauma

For many years doctors believed that infants did not remember pain they endured. As we have become more educated, we now know that infants actually remember pain and trauma through body memories. Some people still struggle with this concept, but I live it everyday. My youngest son was born premature. He spent weeks in NICU where he endured numerous needle pricks, IV intrusions, feeding tubes, and monitors. When I brought him home I remember feeling that he still wasn't quite "right." He was a tight baby; one that did not snuggle in when you held him. He cried uncontrollably anytime I took his temperature, wiped his nose, or touched his chest. His cry was not "typical." It was terrorizing; like I was hurting him. His eyes would glaze over and he would freeze in a panic mode. This is no way that a mother wants to remember her child's infancy. As time progressed, he aged, but developmentally he did not. He required swaddling at 18 months of age. He craved sucking into his toddler years, and he remained easily agitated when he was touched on his nose, chest and arms. He never slept. He continued to wake every two hours on his feeding schedule that he came home from the NICU on. I honored his story of the NICU, which he told me through his desire to remain in infancy until it was resolved. I spoke kindly to him, letting him know that he was safe and that he needed to stay in the NICU to survive. I did sensory work with his body, used weighted vests and allowed him to wear hats to bed because it calmed him. I took him to craniosacral therapy with a great physical therapist took time to hear his story as well as mine. She sensed the trauma and heard the anger of a lost birth and attachment. Through a rebirth process he (and mother) were allowed to do it again. Amzaingly his body became loose, he calmed and was able to self-soothe, he slept through the night and he became age-appropriate overnight. It was the most amzaing and beautiful experience! Never question your child no matter the age. Listen and honor their story. Don't discount early trauma because it can sometimes be the answsers to all the questions.