Feeding videos

Just reposting this as I had two people saying they were unable to watch the videos.....I have no idea why but have uploaded them again and I hope it works now.

Feeding does not always come easily to children with Down Syndrome, primarily because of their low muscle tone. Most children with Down Syndrome have some degree of low muscle tone and and this does not only effect the large muscles like their legs and arms but also the smaller muscles in their bodies like those in their mouth, tongue and jaw. Babies use their oral and facial muscles to suck and swallow, whether it be from a bottle or at the breast. So, if the muscles in these areas have low tone, then the baby will have a weak suck.

Most low muscle tone infants with Down Syndrome will gain enough oral motor tone to enable them to eat on their own. The appropriate therapies are crucial to the development of these skills though.

I feel Saira has come such a long way with her feeding. I remember so clearly that just about 6 months ago she wouldn't even bite a corner of a biscuit, she had no idea how to self feed, everytime I gave her something to eat it was either chucked across the room or she showed absolutely no interest to touch it leave alone put it in her mouth. Today things have changed, she is doing so remarkably, she picks up biscuits or strips of toast or whatever she is given to eat and directs her hand to her mouth, she chews properly, she even tries to pick up food with a fork and put it in her mouth. Saira has worked so hard and I am so very proud of her. I know this might not seem like such a big deal, but believe me it is, as some of you reading this might agree.

We have been doing Sara Rosenfeld Johnsons oral and feeding therapy, chewy sticks, straw therapy and trying to get her on the horn therapy as well but which isn't so easy. But we will keep trying.

Here are a few videos, eating, drinking, throwing food, and the last one you can see what she does when she's had enough of something or doesn't like it, she is quite hilarious sometimes......

Eating, watch her little pincer grip

Feeding her baby

When I don't feel like eating I play with my food then spit it out.....