The Preemie Growth Project

If your child was born prematurely (prior to 37 weeks and/or at less than 2500g) or has any neuromuscular issues (cerebral palsy, hypotonia, hyper-spasticity or dystonia), or is showing signs of developmental delay, , you are welcome to join our project as long as you have a family pediatrician and your child has been released from hospital care.

If you are willing to share your experiences, please fill out the Participant form here: Participant Application You will then receive an e-mail with a more detailed medical questionnaire, and a personal phone call.

• NOTE: Only parents or guardians, please. Family members “helping out” on the information hunt should refer parents to the site, but cannot sign up on behalf of a child who is not theirs. Please be kind, and remember your loved ones are extremely stressed out; at the end of the day, parents and guardians will do everything they can in the best interests of their children with the information they have, so please do not be upset if it takes a few “reminders” about this project before your loved one decides to “take a chance”, okay? And also remember that lots of people have been promising “miracle cures” with a nasty price tag attached, so the concepts of “free” and “seriously, it may help, and it will not hurt” are very hard to wrap hope around, especially when it has already been so hard for them already. In summary, be gentle, be supportive, and be kind, okay?

Depending on budget availability, we will send you a two month supply of the micronutrient supplement we are currently using. You can read about our favorite brand here: PDCM 72+ If you would like to use another brand, or can afford to pay for your own, you can still share information, and our limited budget would be grateful!

If you are not willing to commit to bi-weekly updates due to either busy-ness or a preference for privacy, you can still try this, but will have to pay for everything yourself.

EASY DIRECTIONS

• Step 1: Get some LIQUID COLLOIDIAL MINERALS (we use PDCM 72+)
• Step 2: Take a “before video” (but do not let this step stop you if you are having trouble – it is for your own records); weigh and measure as appropriate, and discuss your concerns
• Step 3: Warn your child this stuff tastes like dirt, because it does. Mix it with something that tastes good to mask the taste: juice, chocolate milk, ice cream – anything to get it into them. If necessary to mask the taste, divide into two doses.
• Step 4: Do NOT give it near bedtime; it will keep them up all night. Morning and early afternoon are best.
• Step 5: Document any changes you see or notice both with your own notes, and your physician as appropriate. Take another video in a month. If no change in two months, discontinue.

SUGGESTED DOSAGES

Recommended Daily Dosages of PDCM 72+ (which are different than the bottle) are:

• Under 10 pounds “Healthy Small Preemie Infant” = 3 ml (1/2 teaspoon); (If under 5 pounds, cut dosage in half)
• 10-15 pounds “Healthy Small Preemie Infant” = 5 ml (1 teaspoon)
• 15-20 pounds “Healthy Small Preemie Infant” = 10 ml (2 teaspoons)
• 10-20 pounds “Infant/Child with Issues” = 15 ml (1 tablespoon aka 3 teaspoons)
• 20-60 pounds “Child with Issues” = 15 ml (1 tablespoon aka 3 teaspoons)
• 60-100 pounds “Child with Issues” = 30 ml (2 tablespoons)

Remember: we are trying to correct a deficiency which is why we are giving these quantities based on weight.

PATTERN OF IMPROVEMENT

• Week 1-2: No real change, possible increase in dirty diapers; (warning: watch for increase in diaper rash as a result; also monitor for constipation/diarrhea)
• Week 2+: Noticeable increase in appetite, beginning of weight gain
• Week 4+: Increase in muscle tone, appearing to begin with head, neck and trunk, followed by arms/hands and legs; with babies, walking began at “standard” time regardless of prematurity within 2-4 months

HOW LONG?

If positive results within two months, continue for a minimum of six months. Speed of recovery and positive outcomes will depend on the following factors:

• Gestational Age at Birth
• Weight at Birth
• Mother’s Nutritional Status Before & During Pregnancy
• Length of Time Deficient (Age When Correction Began)
• Beginning Weight
• Other Health Issues

If it does not help, let us know. All data is helpful at this point!