Seeking Advice on My 14-Month-Old Daughter's Health Concerns
I am reaching out for some guidance about my daughter, who just turned 14 months. Our home is smoke-free, and I am a mother to six children, so I have some experience, but this situation is very concerning for me. For several months now, my little Stevie has been quite troubled. I am feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, and I fear that I am not meeting her needs. Sleep has been a major issue for our family. Stevie's sleep patterns are erratic, and despite implementing various strategies like sleep training and creating consistent bedtime routines, she frequently wakes up crying and distressed, often twisting and rolling as if in discomfort. One thing that worries me is her constant ear tugging. She digs at her ears so vigorously that it sometimes leads to small cuts, and yet numerous doctor visits have failed to identify any ear infections. Constipation is another concern. She struggles with bowel movements, often pushing hard only to produce small, hard stools. We have found that offering prune juice or fruits helps normalize her digestion, though her stools tend to vary between green and brown hues. From the age of four weeks, she has been on Nutramigen formula due to suspected allergies. Recently, we had to revert to a level two flow nipple after the faster flow caused her to gag and choke on her milk. When upset, she emits an extremely loud, high-pitched scream that can wake her siblings from sleep. It’s a heart-wrenching sound, and she cries for extended periods, which adds to my distress. Stevie has a persistent habit of eating anything within reach. This includes rummaging through couch cushions, reaching under furniture, and even attempting to eat paint chips from walls and door frames. We attempt to engage her in play or feed her, yet this behavior continues. Additionally, she frequently hits her head with her hands and pulls her own hair, which, combined with her ear troubles, makes me wonder if she is experiencing headaches or discomfort. A significant observation has been her head shape. It's been irregular for quite some time, but I have just noticed a pronounced ridged line that stretches from her forehead toward her soft spot, which still exists but is quite small. Although I'm no expert in skull anatomy, this seems noteworthy. She also has a history of reflux, but medications have not provided relief. I am at a loss and would appreciate any suggestions on what to discuss with our pediatrician during her next visit. I want to ensure that we’re not overlooking any potential issues. While every child is unique, I can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t quite right with Stevie. Moreover, I plan to share photographs of her head for further context in the comments. As an additional note, my husband is a disabled veteran, and we are currently waiting for our daughter's new insurance to activate following our switch to the VA’s plan. Financial constraints have delayed our ability to seek further medical advice sooner, which is incredibly frustrating for us as parents.
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 1:20:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges you and little Stevie are facing. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially with so many worries regarding her health. Your observations are key in helping her get the right care, and I’ll guide you through what might be important to discuss during her next pediatric visit.
Main Points:
- Sleep Troubles: Erratic sleep can be linked to discomfort or developmental issues.
- Ear Tugging: Persistent tugging can indicate discomfort, and it's essential to rule out possible causes.
- Constipation: This is common, but finding a manageable solution is crucial.
- Behavioral Concerns: Eating non-food items and self-hitting might indicate stress or discomfort.
- Head Shape: The irregular head shape deserves further assessment.
Explanation:
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Sleep Patterns: Babies often face sleep challenges, but consistent wake-ups and distress suggest discomfort. This can stem from several issues, including reflux, ear pain, or other discomforts.
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Ear Tugging: This can be a sign of an ear issue, even if no infection is currently evident. Possible causes could include allergies, teething pain, or even referred pain from other areas.
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Constipation: Since you’re already using prune juice effectively, it may also help to increase dietary fiber. Foods like pears, peaches, and whole grains can aid in digestion.
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Eating Non-Food Items: This behavior can sometimes be related to boredom or sensory exploration. However, items like paint chips should be avoided due to potential toxicity.
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Head Shape: The pronounced line you mentioned on her head could indicate craniosynostosis or other concerns. This should definitely be evaluated by a pediatric specialist.
Action Steps:
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Prepare for Your Pediatric Visit:
- Write down all of Stevie's current symptoms and concerns, including her sleep troubles, ear tugging, constipation, and any changes you’ve noticed in her behavior or eating habits.
- Take photographs of her head shape as you've mentioned you would, which can provide valuable context for her doctor.
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Discuss Potential Assessments:
- Request a thorough physical examination focusing on her ears and head shape.
- Ask if a consultation with a pediatric gastroenterologist is warranted for her constipation.
- Consider discussing the possibility of sensory disorders or developmental assessments for her unusual behaviors (e.g., head hitting and eating non-food items).
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Monitor and Track Symptoms:
- Keep a log for at least a week noting how often she cries, her eating behaviors, bowel movements, and any other significant changes. This information can help the doctor understand patterns.
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Explore Comfort Measures at Home:
- For her sleep, continue to stick with a bedtime routine. Consider white noise or a quiet space to minimize distractions.
- For constipation, continue with prune juice and increase her water intake throughout the day.
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Engage with Community Resources:
- Look into local parenting groups or online communities that can provide emotional support and shared experiences from other parents.
You are doing an incredible job navigating these challenges with Stevie. Your concerns are valid, and being proactive about her health is essential. I wish you and your family the best as you seek further guidance and support. Please feel free to share any more details or ask additional questions.
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