The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Characteristics of an infant with FASD: Infants with FASD may have some or most of these characteristics. Health: In the first months babies that have heart or kidney problems may have to stay in the hospital. Babies with FASD usually get more infections and grow and develop slower than other babies. Their motor skills are affected, meaning they may be "floppy" because of poor muscle tone or "rigid" from too tight muscles. Sleeping: Infants with FASD may have problems sleeping. Forming sleep habits takes longer, making caring for the baby harder on the whole family. Feeding: Babies with FASD may have a hard time sucking and swallowing. Keeping food down and gaining weight may be a problem. Some babies take a long time to feed and do better with smaller meals more often. Behaviour: Some FASD babies don't like too much stimulation and become cranky in noisy environments. Knowing how much activity the baby can take before they need a change is important. FASD is easily prevented. Drink no alcohol during pregnancy. For more information call FASD at 687-8852.
