Cystic Fibrosis

My cousin is a foster parent. Yesterday an 11 month old baby boy was placed with her that has cystic fibrosis. She has spoken with some of his Dr's since she is taking him to his appointments now but this is her first time caring for a child with such a serious illness. He will probably be with them for awhile. She asked if I could post here to see if there are other parents that may have advise or tips for her to help care for him and make him comfortable. I don't know exactly how serious his case is but I do know he's very small for his age and has medication that he takes every few hours. Thanks in advance! She has an account and will look at the responses she just doesn't post much.

she should go here http://www.cff.org/ and research. ususally they have some type of CPT-- or chest physical therapy to help remove the secretions. in the hospital we call them "baby beaters".. im trying to find a picture of one but not having any luck. you can actually use a vibrator wrapped in a diaper for infants as well, tho he is too old for that. they have vests too but im pretty sure hes to YOUNG for that method lol so he probably has the baby beater.... its like a little soft cup attached to a stick and you hit them in the back and chest quite rapidly with it. it doesnt hurt, but its pretty loud.

also there should be no smoking, candles, inscents, etc around him.

here is a good link on CPT http://www.kidzdoc.com/uploads/files/chest-physical-therapy-infants-toddlers.pdf

Quoting Ailey+Lennon+Renner's Mom:" she should go here http://www.cff.org/ and research. ususally they have some type of CPT-- or chest physical ... [snip!] ... rapidly with it. it doesnt hurt, but its pretty loud. also there should be no smoking, candles, inscents, etc around him."

Yes, I know she does that. I asked her when we were talking. Nobody in their household smokes and I'll mention the candles and incense. She probably already know from talking with the Dr's but it doesn't hurt to mention, LOL

It's so sad to see kids with such serious illness's   you're cousin is a strong woman, and i admire her for taking good care of other kids, especially sick kids, who aren't even hers.
Sorry i don't have any advice, i just wanted to comment on this lol.

depending on the weather humidifiers can be very good to have in the house hold. and depending on what medicine the baby is on will help too my fiance has cf and has to take enzmyes when he eats meals and snacks and when he was younger up to 18 he had to take growth medicaiton so that he would grow to be a normal size. he is 25 and weighs 94 lbs. but has the biggest heart!! he has had some complications in the past. Just tell her to keep her head up prayers their way. it can be very hard to be in the situation she is in. God protects his children.