Ellen is 11 months old and parent concerns

[Melly]

Hi everyone,

It has been a while since I've written. We have had so much going on -- thanks goodness the IC flares have been very low level, still there, but not as intense as before I had Ellen.

The past few months have been insane. It started with my visit to the ER for a ruptured ovarian cyst. After that I decided to take some time off to work, to get myself and Ellen healthy. Ellen has been suffering with ear infections since mid-Feb, but has been ear infection free for the last week. During the time off, my grandmother and uncle passed away. I was glad to spend time with my family but very regrettful for the circumstances that brought it about.

It has just been a very emotionally demanding time. We also had a scare at Ellen's daycare that prompted a criminal medical exam. She suffered a scratch to her himen during a diaper change, that's what was proposed by the examiner. Everything was clear when we had the exam done, and no emotional trauma apparent in Ellen.

Now that this is all behind us, I am now focusing on Ellen's development. My husband begs me not to worry, but I just can't seem to put my concerns aside.

Ellen has been babbling since 8 months (except when her ears are bothering her). She hasn't started gesturing yet, waving or clapping. She makes good eye contact and smiles at everyone, seems to be a very sociable baby. People comment on happy she is. Everything I've read says that a child who is not gesturing by 12 months should be examined for autism. Given my family's history ( a cousin who likely is autistic, I am scared and worried. Any advice or input would be welcome. Why can't I just put things aside. It seems like I am not myself unless I am worrying.

Sorry to ramble for so long.

Thanks,

Melly

[ICNDonna]

Please tell your pediatrician about your worries. That's usually the best possible way to ease our minds.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[ICNLesa]

(((Melly)))

You sure have been through a lot lately! I hope things settle down for you soon.

I sure know what it's like to worry about the development of our babies! That's one part of motherhood I hadn't thought much about until now. *grins* You could mention it to the doctor for your own peace of mind like Donna suggested but remember how babies develop. One day they don't do something and the very next day they do! It's remarkable really. Kaitlyn is almost 10 months and isn't crawling yet. She does an army type crawl but won't lift her belly up. ::shrug:: In her own time, I guess.

Keep your chin up and let some of that worry flow out before it starts eating at you!

ICNLesa