”As a mom of a child that was born at 26 weeks gestation and 1 lb 7 oz, I was completely overwhelmed, when the nurses told me that my baby was coming home, possibly that weekend.  Mackenzie, our miracle, had been in the NICU unit for 3 months and 10 days, when the nurse told me that Mackenzie was going home.  As bad as I wanted her home, I was in a panic. Knowing that she had the best care that she could have while she was in the hospital, she was going home with a mom that had NO idea how to take care of a baby.  Did I mention, that by the time Mackenzie was ready to come home, of course she had gained weight, but she was only up to 4 lbs. I was going to be in an atmosphere where no one would be there, if she cried for long periods.  How was I going to know if she was tired, hungry, or just wanted to be held?  I had no idea if she didn't respond to me, what to do.  How did I know what to do to help her progress since it was obvious that she would be slower at developing.  What happen to all these motherly instincts, that are/were suppose to kick in?  I never saw classes offered for "When you have a Preemie, This is what to expect".  Through the hospital I was given the option of an Early Intervention Service Coordinator for help with Mackenzie. I didn't care what this person did, I knew I needed educational help.  After meeting with the coordinator, it was clear that it would be beneficial to Mackenzie to have a Developmental Therapist.

 

I was afraid at first, because I didn't want this person to think I wasn't a good mom and they needed to tell me what to do.  The Developmental Therapist that was assigned to our family was Julie VanVeldhuizen.  Julie instantly made me feel at ease.  She was very knowledgeable and very through in explaining ways to help Mackenzie.  Julie realized from our very first session that Mackenzie really needed a lot of calming and comforting. Julie has always provided me several different options to improving on the specific areas that we have worked on.  It has been great having someone there who can answer your questions, right then or if not, isn't afraid to say, I'll check on that and get back to you.  After the first session, Julie decided that we would slowly work on the most important skills first and work at Mackenzie's pace. Julie always gives me the feeling that she cares for Mackenzie; as if she was her own.  If Mackenzie wasn't having a good day, Julie would not press her.  With Julie's expertise, she could tell when Mackenzie needed to be pushed a little to get that little extra.  It was comforting to learn ways to build up Mackenzie's back and stomach muscles, the body's core, to help her roll, crawl, sit and walk.  Julie has always made me feel that I was making great strides with Mackenzie.  Encouraging me and encouraging Mackenzie, not has only helped in giving me confidence, but has also built up the bond that Mackenzie and I share. I have truly been blessed not only with a miracle (Mackenzie) but with the resource of a superior therapist, who has helped Mackenzie and I with her weaknesses, which are becoming strengths.  Kudos to Julie.”
- Donna J.