Katherine & Nick
parents of Nico who suffered a severe Brain Injury during birth
Our daughter Nico suffered a severe brain injury during birth, with poor prognosis. We brought her home from the hospital and searched for answers. The Dr. explained that she would most likely have Cerebral Palsy and the only “treatment” was through physio and occupational therapies. While I felt those methods would be helpful I wanted to do more, I wanted to do everything possible for Nico so that she could live life to the fullest. Through our research we found the Anat Baniel Method and Judy.
Nico and Judy started to work together when Nico was 4 months old. At that time Nico could not lie on her back without crying, whether for sleeping, diaper changes or play. Her muscle tone caused her to arch her back making it difficult to hold her. She had virtually no head control, fisted hands, did not sleep well and was irritable and fussy.
It has been over 6 months since the first session and today Nico is a different baby. She is happy, expressive and curious. She sleeps well and on her back, she is happy on her back for playtime or changing. She has learned that she can lift her head and turn it from side to side and how to kick her legs and move her pelvis. Her hands are open and relaxed more often and she is able to weight bear on her elbows and feet. Since she has all of these new movements she almost never arches anymore. It is obvious to me that she is more comfortable in her body.
I am so happy that we found Judy and ABM. I believe her work and energy has given my daughter not only a foundation to build on but also the tools necessary for her to continue to learn and execute purposeful movement.
I look forward to the possibilities in Nico’s life instead of worrying about the limitations.
