To test or not to test...

[MamaJ2005]

Is anyone else declining the heel prick? We're pretty certain we're not going to do it. My instincts are telling me my child is completely normal. The only disorder I'm a little more concerned about is PKU. Does anyone know if there are symptoms you can watch out for??? I've been trying to educate myself so I can be more aware since we obviously won't have the "safety net" of the test.

[rightkindofme]

Not testing.

[kalisage]

PKU is the only testing I'm considering so I'm still researching that particular test. So I'm curious to hear what other think too

[alegna]

We're leaning towards declining it.

-Angela

[HerthElde]

If the health nurse will do it at my house, we're doing it. Otherwise we're going to seriously consider declining.

[Kylahroo]

We've tested all 4 kids and will test this one, too. The last 3 homebirths required one little heel prick with a well-massaged and warm heel. Baby didn't even make a peep as I nursed baby throughout the testing. I know too many stories of children whose tests came back positive to deny this one simple test. It's simply not worth it as the results can prevent years of heartache (and regret) and no, there's no way to "watch out for" certain symptoms. But, if diagnosed early, most of these diseases are easily treatable, especially the main one - PKU.

Here's more information:

PDF pamphlet from http://www.savebabies.org/index.php

You can get more info and order testing kits from:

https://www.baylorhealth.com/medical...nscreening.htm

http://www.newbornscreening.info/howtonbshcp.html

Good luck in your decision!

[Naomismom]

I'll be doing the test too. I like to weigh risk vs. benefit and I am not aware of any risks with a heel stick. The benefits seem worthwhile since the disorders tested for are not something to mess with. DD didn't even cry when it was done (but that's not to say that all kids nonchalantly go along with it).

I guess I just don't see any good reason NOT to do it.

[alegna]

The biggest reason NOT to do it for me is false positives. IF you get a positive on any of these *screenings* (not tests, but screenings really) then the health department gets involved. There have been cases where moms were FORCED to stop breastfeeding while further testing was run. (babies have been taken by CPS if mothers resist or want to research further)

Most of the screens have high rates of false positives and LOW rates of actual incidence of the conditions.

-Angela

[adtake]

I will be doing the test. I have a hereditary Thyroid condition and it's one of the tests they do. I want to stay on top of it so she doesn't have the problems I did. I will have her tested through her life (puberty) for thyroid problems.

[Killick]

We did it. It is actually mandated by law here. Since I work for the health department, and particularly in the part of the health department that helps to identify those who are at risk of the disorders tested for, it was not worth it to me to not test.

Kate didn't see to really have an issue with the heel prick. She was pissed about the warmer, but we had to do nearly week of bili checks, so knew what was coming once the heel warmer went on.

[alegna]

It's mandated by law in most states. But in all but a couple it's no big deal to decline if you wish.

-Angela

[MarchWillow]

We're going to do it. It costs us $110.00 and tests for like 30 different conditions. The mw is waiting 7 days to do the test, she says she see's the most false positives when babies are tested too early or too late. I just think it's worth it. In my mind, it's a few drops of blood for some valuable information. I already feel really good that he won't have eye goop, vit K shot, and immediate vax. I'm willing to do a lil heel prick.

[bugnbean]

We did the newborn screen. I think I have just seen too much heartache for babes with these conditions and would rather catch it early.

[PuppyFluffer]

I'm ok with the essence of the test but I was quite disturbed by an article about the govt keeping DNA data from it. IIRC, it was an article in the News & Current Events forum....I'll try to find it. I think it was Missouri.

[thismama]

I did it, today. I didn't do it with my first daughter, and wasn't sure about this one. It was simple and she didn't cry, thankfully. The disorders are very rare. I'm on the fence about it, I'm just anxious and lead with emotion, to be honest.

[happyfrog]

i'm not doing any blood tests EXCEPT pku. no glucose screening, no bilirubin, no blood type, nothing. . .

and i want hte pku done no sooner than 24 horus after breastfeeding. .

bettyann
hba2c when the lilies bloom . ..