Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

As I reflect upon the birth of my last child. I am reminded of the joys that came along with her arrival in addition to the unforseen stressors such as health complications, and the realities of genetic testing. No one can ever prepare you for the curve ball that may come after the birth of your child, especially if you had a normall pregnancy. When my infant was born she was diagnossed with a merconium plug, and also had an imature suck @ birth. There were several other complications that were present, and we had to be in the neo-natal unit for 2-weeks. During those two weeks, my newborn endured blood draws, poking, proding, as well as other procedures to test her heart, and to remove the merconium plug. The stressors of having such a rough start, and not being able to bond initially were difficult for us as her parents in addition to her being a newborn infant. There were some traumatic responses that she demonstrated as a result of her being in the NICU such as shivers, crying, and de-attachment. Those memories are probally long gone for now, however the impact of her experience will always be in my heart. There were several key stakeholders who contributed our little one's succes, and enabled us to connect with people who could intervene and help us on our journey with our new baby. We had a lactaction consultant, who was there to help support me in my efforts of breastfeeding despite the sucking challenges she had. We also had a parent coordinator who was instrumental in connecting us with the CDSA. The CDSA provided early intervention support to enusre that she was devleoping appropriately, and there to provide intervention services with physical, speech, and play therapist. They were great supporters, and as a result of their services, our daughter is the typical 2year old and developing quite nicely.

Recently, there has been several outbreaks of tornados in the mid-west. In particular Joplin, Missouri has recently been the latest victims of the mother nature's fury. When natural disasters occur, there are many people impacted, and mostly the lives of young chlidren are most disrupted. Even in times of crisis children need the experience of being children by playing, coloring, and just simply being a child. According the the NACCRRA website there are over 500 children without childcare. In an effort to minimize harm, and other stressors they are taking donations to relieve the financial restraints of child care supplies in additon to individual children's emergency needs. Items include but are not limited to the following: Childrens books, Infant/toddler/preschool clothes, toys, brib blankets, diapers, wipes, sippy bups, bottles, and infant formula. For more information on ways you can help contact : Child Care Aware of Missouri Attn: Joplin 1000 Executive Parkway Dr. Ste 103 St. Louis MO 63141
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KIaGlFtWDw