The Center for Disabilities and Development

Today we traveled to Iowa City for Hattie's first visit to The Center for Disabilities and Development. She was examined by a doctor and we met with a social worker, and on subsequent visits she will be evaluated by various therapists, who can then make recommendations to the therapists we will see on a regular basis back home.

The staff we met with were all wonderful, they were excited to see a baby. They gave us plenty of time to nurse and care for Hattie in between appointments. One nurse who works there has actually worked as a lactation counselor and sat down with us while Hattie ate and gave me some ideas for dealing with this nipple shield! She was about 10x more helpful than the lactation counselors at the hospital were, I was really grateful for her help.

The doctor who examined Hattie was great, she answered all of our questions, was easy to understand and very down to earth. I wish she could be our regular pediatrician. She said that Hattie is looking good! The social worker is going to refer us to the Area Education Agency, who will send physical and occupational therapists to our home to work with Hattie regularly. I'm really glad this will be getting started soon, I've been feeling like we were behind on starting those services.

On our way home, we stopped to vote-Hattie's first election!