Flat head/ plagiocephaly?

Question

My son who is 8 months old has a flatness to the back of his head, called plagiocephaly... and is going in for the DOC band in two weeks. Just wondering if anyone out there has a child or know of a child that has gone through the same thing? Any pointers or suggestions? How did you handle stares and comments from other people? Did you see a significant improvement? Did you paint yours? If you did, how did you do it? Thank you!

To respond someones comment...
First off, of course you will not see adults walking around with flat heads because this did not become an issue in the US until after the Back To Sleep campaign started in 1994. Second... depending on the severity, it might never correct itself over time without "help". Before you answer someones question, maybe you should read up on your information.

Answer 1

My 15mo. old son had brachycephaly (plagiocephaly but the term for flatness specifically in the back). He got his DOC band at about 8mo. and got it off at 11mo. The improvement from the helmet was amazing and very noticeable.

Honestly, the whole process was much worse for me than for him. He also had torticollis (crooked neck) so he was in physical therapy so between that and the 2hr. trips for the helmet fittings it was exhausting. Strangers stared and made comments before the helmet too so when they made comments afterwards I wasn't too phased. I just answered their questions and considered it an opportunity to make people aware of plagiocephaly and the DOC bands. Sometimes it was upsetting because I wanted my little boy to be "perfect" but really noone was ever mean to him. Little kids would point and say "that kid has a cool hat!".

Biggest pointer is...don't listen to people who seem to think that their experience or opinion is the only right one. Alot of people believe that plagio is just a cosmetic issue and it will resolve itself. The reality is that it can lead to actual medical issues if not resolved and it can lead to alot of psychological problems. If we have the opportunity to correct the situation and make like easier for our babies than why shouldn't we?

I did not paint my son's band because I thought I'd mess it up and be upset about it. So, I left it white and got clear backed scrapbooking stickers to decorate it. I rotated the stickers about every 2 weeks. It was kind of fun.

Good luck! Remember, its harder for you than for him. Also remember you are a good mom and only special moms are given children with needs because they have the special qualities to be able to handle it!

Answer 2

here in the UK this operation is almost unheard of as it is something that rights itself by the age of 3-5 years old.how many adults do you see walking around with an abnormal shaped head?of course some babies had flat heads years ago i had my babies in the 70s and 80s and my youngest had a really odd shaped head but i had seen it before on other babies and she is now in her 20s with a lovely head ,i wasn't born yesterday this is just another way for your doctors to make extra money out of your medical insurances,i am a nurse and i have seen the worst case scenarios correct themselves,i dont need to read up on anything,life itself is experience

Answer 3

Both of my children had very slight flat spots, but not enough to need helmets. I see children wearing them all the time so I wouldn't worry about stares or comments.