Development, weight & growth
There is wide variation in how babies develop and grow. Our children's team is here to reassure you when things are normal, and assist when there is a deviation from what's expected. Standard assessments are recommended at 6 weeks and 8 months, and again at 18-20 months, with further monitoring where necessary.
Our team of paediatric consultants includes specialists in development, digestion, ENT and allergy. This offers you a wide range of support with the benefit of cross-disciplinary observation and opinion.
Accurate diagnosis of the cause of a developmental, weight or growth issue is crucial. We are abreast of current medical views and have an exceptional range of diagnostic skills and tools to enable us to investigate a vast range of problems.
Autism is one of several conditions that are more commonly recognised in children over the age of 2. With advances in understanding, however, it is now possible for some early signs, perhaps between the age of 8 and 18 months, to be noticed - usually by parents. With careful attention your paediatrician will listen to your concerns and offer close observation and any further support or referral that suits your baby and you.
Family lifestyle may be significant. This includes eating and sleeping habits as well as relationships, and environmental factors if allergy plays a role. Touch is also relevant. It is now known that loving skin-to-skin contact is as important for a baby to fulfil his or her genetic potential for growth. Your doctor will offer general advice and you may want further support from a nutritional therapist, life coach or child psychologist.
Inherited views may play a role in what parents consider to be 'too fat' or 'too thin', 'too noisy' or 'too quiet', etc. Your doctor will monitor your baby's development according to medically sound guidelines, and within the context of your baby's genetic background. If there are disagreements within your family it may be useful to discuss these with your doctor, or with a family therapist.
Emotional feelings shape your baby's experience of life and also influence many body systems. Feeling loved and acknowledged is believed to positively enhance development. Feelings of trauma, repression or emotional pain may inhibit optimum growth; to assess this possibility and offer an accurate diagnosis, together with helpful treatment and support, it is often effective for a family to work with a paediatrician and a child psychologist or early years psychotherapist . Emotional support may become a central aspect of care where the problem is causing strain in the family.
Complementary therapies may be useful either alone or alongside medical care. Therapists at Viveka have a high level of skill and sensitivity and love treating babies.
Did you know?
Massage can enhance growth and encourage optimal development of your baby's spine, limbs, head and neck, building up flexibility and strength. Classes at Viveka include dads-only groups.
