My sis just had her baby one week ago today. The baby was born with club feet. We believe that alot of it was due to the size of the baby - she was 9lbs and 8oz. Sis measured at 40 weeks when she was only like 35. So she was BIG. We think baby was all curled up due to lack of space.

Sis is (rightfully) nervous re: surgery that might need to take place to correct her little girl's ankles/feet.

Didn't know if anyone has experience with this.

Thanks

I don't have any experience with it. What did the OB or pediatrician say they would need to do to correct the problem?

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They have an apt with a pediatric othopedist (SP?) in 3 weeks - the soonest that they could get in. My sis hasn't really told a lot of friends b/c she doesn't want a lot of "stupid" comments from people. She got of ton of stupid comments for the last 6 weeks or so of the pregnancy b/c of how big she was. (Like, you know how when you are pregnant and your body starts swelling in weird places? Sis' nose swelled. She works in an insurance office and a new customer came in and said something to the effect "Your nose is really big - you're going to have that baby anyday". Yeah, thanks)

So now they are waiting...

We had to use a wonderful orthopedist for a different reason, but while we were there, we noticed a number of other patients with that issue. In talking with the doctor, we found out it is extremely common; one of his most common surgeries. It should be easy to find a good pediatric orthopedist. You will get a feel for their competency and bedside manner during consultation, and there should be no difficulty in asking other patients about their experiences. One thing I loved was that although my daughter was the patient, the orthopedist paid attention to my son. I so appreciated that. Many patients in the waiting room are there for post-surgery followups. The biggest risk is anesthesia, but many orthopedists have their own favorites in their own back pocket for the kids. They always put my kids under via gas mask before inserting any needles or tubes, and removed them all before consciousness was regained.

Also, many parents don't know they can request this, but have them ask to be with the baby while being put under. The mask is hidden until the last moment, but is scary. It only takes about 10 seconds for them to go under, but having mommy or daddy there is huge for them. My kids always woke up in my arms after surgery.

Also, to avoid surprises, the insurance company and the hospital need to be called to discuss expected costs. We had an idea of our financial responsibility, but it ended up being higher, as the Dr. fee, the anesthesiologist fee and the hospital fees are all separate.

There may also be some resources online, as this is a common issue. Parents can connect with other parents to ask about their experiences. I would google club foot, or parents of children with club feet first in your geographic area, but then expand out.

By the way, they obviously will do nothing until after baby is born, but there is no rush, except the emotional need to have info. They usually want to wait until the baby is 7-9 months to operate.

HTH!

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Thanks. I am not sure why they didn't spot this inutero b/c sis was having ultrasounds weekly the last 5 weeks of the pregnancy b/c of how big she was.

They had their apt with the orthopedist last tuesday. He immediately put the baby in casts all the way up to her thighs. The plan is that she will get new casts every week as they are trying to "train" her feet to stay in the right position. So, as I am typing this Baby is getting her old casts sawn off and new casts put on. I can't imagine how much she weighs with those casts on b/c she was 9lbs 8oz when she was born. It is probably harder for my sister than it is for the baby.

I know I am a little late on this, but I wanted to post anyway. I have a son who was born with Clubfeet, we have ahd a long road he was treated from birth by two sets of doctors locally and there attempt at correction failed. We then moved on to Iowa to see Dr. Ponseti he is byfar the pioneer for clubfeet treatment. If there are questions in treatment, about the correction anything I would look up Dr. I Ponseti at U of Iowa. We travel from Michigan to see him and when we do we meet SEVERAL others that have traveled to seem him as well. We just returned May 5th and met 13 new families. Another site you may want to check is
http://six-feet. com/

It was Very helpful and of course you can always PM me!

Good Luck

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Shay
Proud Mommy to 3! Savana (9) Chayce (6) Keegan (1)