Recently, Theresa was facilitating our new mother's education/support group when a young first time mother presented with her four week old son. In visiting with the mother, Theresa noted that the baby was listless, a poor eater and not active. She asked this young mother to visit with her after the group session so she could help her with feeding the baby and answer any questions she had. It turned out the baby weighed 8 oz. less than his birth weight and nursed poorly. Theresa visited with the mom at length about the importance of feeding the baby frequently and the importance of a steady newborn weight gain. The mother indicated that she had a doctor's appointment for the baby but didn’t keep it.

In working with the mother, Theresa asked her if she could call the physician so that Theresa could share her concerns and encourage a visit asap. The mother was receptive to the advice and agreed that Theresa could follow up with the physician. The mother left that afternoon and was encouraged to return the next week as well. After the mother's departure, Theresa visited with her director to inform her of the situation and to review her plan for follow up.

This significant weight loss for a 4 week told baby was a great risk and the baby was already exhibiting signs of dehydration. Theresa then called the baby's physicians (mom reported two) and shared the situation. The primary physician in turn called the mother and set up an immediate appointment to see the infant. Theresa also contacted our social worker for possible referrals to offer this mother support. Theresa called the mother back over the next few days to check in with her and encouraged her to return to the support group the following week. The mother indeed returned and when weighed, the baby had gained 11 ounces from the previous week and was more vigorous and age appropriate in his behavior. The infant had been seen by his physician and had a follow up appointment scheduled as well to monitor feeding issues and weight gain. Theresa shared some additional referral information with the mother and reinforced education related to frequency of feedings, watching for the number of wet and soiled diapers. The young mother was proud of the baby's progress and agreed to return to the weekly support group.

I have no doubt that Theresa's persistence and interventions averted a potential life threatening situation for this newborn and young family.