Clothing needs

Clothing for Melissa was a real challenge!

Clothes needed to be specially made.  It felt like a miracle to buy a garment that would fit her.

Melissa also needed extra quantity of clothing due to the vomiting and as a lot of her clothes were wool they were unable to be dried by dryer so a longer drying time was required.

Summer singlets were made as Melissa had a very small neck and long body. Again due to her length and constant handling her clothes could come apart in the middle so we had all in one body suits made on the principle there would be no gaps in her clothing. This may all sound odd but I can assure you it was one of many things we learnt caring for our wee girl.

There was a lot of hands on handling of Melissa getting her in and out of various pieces of equipment and remembering she was unable to verbally tell us when she felt uncomfortable, clothes twisted etc.

Sweatshirts again were needed to be made as they were too wide for her and the necks too loarge and also needed the extra length.

Wool tights were used in winter  - we would need to resew the feet to fit her.

Long pants / trousers again seldom were bought ready to wear as the waists were too big.

Her boots were made at Orthotics usually twice yearly and occurred a part charge.  For her to use her standing frame etc it was essential her feet were comfortable.

Sox were difficult to find.  We made hand knitted wool ones which in winter were worn over her tights.

Nightwear again was specially made due to her small neck.

All her bibs had to be made for the same reason.  Most days 8 bibs would be used and continually need mending.

Over nap pants were also hard t source and she wore them day and night all year round.

I think her dressing gown was the only garment able to be bought and worn without alteration.  The same one lasted several years just getting a bit shorter each year as Melissa became taller.