Answers to Your Questions

I'm curious if I'm just not as patient as I was 16 years ago or what but it seems here lately my LO is constantly whining or fussing or throwing one of her tantrums. 'They' say that their too young to be able to throw tantrums or have anger issues but I'm starting to become a bit worried by the behaviors that she does along with the anger. I love her to death, don't get me wrong and she's adorable and has her moments when she's cute, and smiley, but usually not for very long. She doesn't seem to play with toys like I think she should and will chew or bite on everything all day, has been since she was about 2 months old. Sometimes she acts like she can't get enough and will bite hard and pull it out and shake her head real quick. (I have been wearing my hair up for over 3 months because of this) Also I noticed her shuddering (like a cold shiver in her shoulders and head) throughout the day. When she shakes something like a rattle she will sometimes shudder or make a strange face with her mouth open like a yikes with no teeth ?? face. She also flaps her arms when she is excited and will pant sometimes. She also does this when I try to stand her up. She seems soooooo squirmy all the time and has since birth. Never sitting still. She doesn't babble or say 'mama' or 'dada' or 'baba' just makes weird noises like loud 'ahhh', grunting, screaming, and yelling. I've talked to her pediatrician and I'm going back on the 29th to mention some of my concerns but I feel like I am getting dismissed and everyone keeps telling me it's normal. I don't think it is. She still wakes up 5-9 times a night for a bottle and to be rocked back to sleep. I just want to know if anyone else has a LO that can relate or comment if not. Thanks

• Talking to her pediatrician is a great place to start.  They will screen and monitor her developmental progress with you and take your concerns seriously.  Research shows that parents are very skilled at identifying developmental concerns in their children, so please write out your concerns and complete all of the surveys that pediatrician offer so together you can monitor her communication, motor and personal/social development.  If she needs further assessment the pediatrician or you can refer her to the Infants and Toddlers Program in your county in Maryland (if you live in Maryland):  Home (mditp.org)  In addition your pediatrician might recommend a referral to specialists called developmental pediatrician or neurologist who can conduct more extensive evaluation.
• Being kind to yourself and taking of care yourself is also very important.   .  Most parents (about 80%) experience changes in mood and feelings of increased anxiety during the early months of their baby’s birth.   You can talk with your OB/GYN or pediatrician about how you feeling and coping about whether you would benefit from a referral to a mental health specialist.  Postpartum Support International - PSI is a wonderful resource to learn more about maternal mood and anxiety concerns.  They offer a helpline and support groups as well.