Guest guest Posted June 29, 2008 Report Share Posted June 29, 2008 I just smile when they stare. I've found that if I look friendly then they will approach and ask. That's when I take the opportunity to educate someone that otherwise would never have known. In the 2 months that my has been wearing hers I've NEVER had anyone laugh. My favorite are the children. They tend to be braver than their parents. I tell them the truth and then I say something funny like "we're hoping she will be the first female pro football player". The kids just laugh and say it's cool. In our experiances most people are curious I've only seen about 2 people that looked like they disapproved. Once your baby gives them a cute smile they forget about the band. From: <megan@...>Subject: How do you answer???Plagiocephaly Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 2:37 PM Hi Everyone,My twins are now 5 months old and one of them will be receiving their Hanger Cranial Band from Hanger Orthotics this coming Tuesday, July 1st. While I am glad that such treatment is available for plagiocephaly, I am a bit nervous when it comes to answering strangers as to why one of my twins has a "helmet" on his head. I am also worried about people staring, as that is only human nature when you see somthing out of the ordinary. How have all of you answered strangers questions when they ask or when they stare? What about when little kids stare, laugh and/or point at your child??Thank you in advance for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 29, 2008 Report Share Posted June 29, 2008 Plagiocephaly on Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 8:10 PM -0500 wrote: I am also worried about people staring, as that is only human nature when you see somthing out of the ordinary. One of my twins will be getting a helmet when her head is big enough (hopefully in a month). I figure we won't get any more stares than we do now. Having infant twins out in public makes me feel like a circus sideshow anyway. My plan is just to say that she is wearing it to round out her head. I try to keep us moving so that people don't stop to ask questions. I'm not embarrassed, it's just that we get stopped so often that it takes us forever to get anything done. Mostly I'm annoyed with dumb twin questions. At least when people ask about the helmet it will probably be legitimate questions I won't mind aswering and not some question about whether I took fertility drugs or something and what would I do if I had 6 like that Jon and Kate Plus Eight show. Insert eye roll here. Beth in MN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 29, 2008 Report Share Posted June 29, 2008 Hi , I was really nervous to go out when my daughter got her helmet. I live in a pretty small town and no one has ever even seen a child in a helmet. We do get lots of stares and comments but no one is ever rude or treats her any different. I try to explain to people that she has a misshapen head and we're trying to round it out:) The funniest comments come from kids that see her so be prepared for that. One little boy asked us if she was about to go on a bike ride. A little girl has pointed and laughed at her but I just ignore that b/c kids don't know any better. An older lady asked me if I had brought Marlee to the store on a motor bike! ha-ha I don't think that would be very safe for a 10 mo old. Another comment we get asked a lot is if she has a head injury. I just try and educate people of the issue. Good Luck Jackie Mom to Marlee STARband 5weeks From: <megan@...>Subject: How do you answer???Plagiocephaly Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 5:37 PM Hi Everyone,My twins are now 5 months old and one of them will be receiving their Hanger Cranial Band from Hanger Orthotics this coming Tuesday, July 1st. While I am glad that such treatment is available for plagiocephaly, I am a bit nervous when it comes to answering strangers as to why one of my twins has a "helmet" on his head. I am also worried about people staring, as that is only human nature when you see somthing out of the ordinary. How have all of you answered strangers questions when they ask or when they stare? What about when little kids stare, laugh and/or point at your child??Thank you in advance for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 29, 2008 Report Share Posted June 29, 2008 I must say we were worried too, but this has almost become a social experiment of sorts.The first day Lyla had her DocBand (and the only day it was white), we went to lunch and WalMart. People looked, but then would quickly look away, as if they didn't know where to look at her. The greeter at WalMart gave us this really sad look and said "God bless you both." He must have thought she was critically ill or something. I just said "He has."Once I painted the band (cute polka dots), people go out of their way to talk to her! I can't get anything done it feels some days because so many want to comment on her band and cuteness (as if almost overcompensating because they think she knows it's there or something).We've not had anyone laugh or point. Kids are naturally curious, as are teenagers. Just keep it lighthearted. I typically tell people Lyla is undergoing her first cosmetic procedure. The boob job will be next year.Good luck and post some pictures!SandyMom to Lyla -7 months - 4 weeks in Doc Bandand Owen 4 How do you answer???PlagiocephalyDate: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 5:37 PMHi Everyone,My twins are now 5 months old and one of them will be receiving their Hanger Cranial Band from Hanger Orthotics this coming Tuesday, July 1st. While I am glad that such treatment is available for plagiocephaly, I am a bit nervous when it comes to answering strangers as to why one of my twins has a "helmet" on his head. I am also worried about people staring, as that is only human nature when you see somthing out of the ordinary. How have all of you answered strangers questions when they ask or when they stare? What about when little kids stare, laugh and/or point at your child??Thank you in advance for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Hi! I agree with Sandy! The more lighthearted you keep it, the less stigma there is associated with the helmet. Every time we take our son out, I make it a point to keep the attention positive and even have our son say " hi " to those that stare just a little TOO long. And, if you just don't have the energy, you can print out one of the brochures under " files " and just hand it to folks. It explains what, why, how about plagio. I had some printed but haven't had to use yet. Melinda Mommy to Keegan - Brachy/Plagio (L Tort Resolved)- DOCBand 5 weeks & 5 days Southern California > > From: <megan@playhardgetdi rty.com> > Subject: How do you answer??? > Plagiocephaly > Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 5:37 PM > > > Hi Everyone, > > My twins are now 5 months old and one of them will be receiving their > Hanger Cranial Band from Hanger Orthotics this coming Tuesday, July > 1st. While I am glad that such treatment is available for > plagiocephaly, I am a bit nervous when it comes to answering strangers > as to why one of my twins has a " helmet " on his head. I am also worried > about people staring, as that is only human nature when you see > somthing out of the ordinary. > > How have all of you answered strangers questions when they ask or when > they stare? What about when little kids stare, laugh and/or point at > your child?? > > Thank you in advance for your help. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Thank you for your help everyone! My twin gets his Hanger Cranial Band tomorrow. I will let everyone know how it goes and his father and I are both a little nervous still. ~~ > > From: <megan@playhardgetdi rty.com> > Subject: How do you answer??? > Plagiocephaly > Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 5:37 PM > > > Hi Everyone, > > My twins are now 5 months old and one of them will be receiving their > Hanger Cranial Band from Hanger Orthotics this coming Tuesday, July > 1st. While I am glad that such treatment is available for > plagiocephaly, I am a bit nervous when it comes to answering strangers > as to why one of my twins has a " helmet " on his head. I am also worried > about people staring, as that is only human nature when you see > somthing out of the ordinary. > > How have all of you answered strangers questions when they ask or when > they stare? What about when little kids stare, laugh and/or point at > your child?? > > Thank you in advance for your help. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Okay, so we went in and got our son's Hanger Cranial Band this morning and I am REALLY unhappy with it. First of all, the orthotist ordered the wrong pattern for it, so now it has this incredibly horrid truck and plant pattern on it......very, very ugly. Secondly, when the orthotist was discussing use and care of the helmet he seemed to be very unfamiliar with cleaning and hours of use. He said that the helmet is initially supposed to be worn for an hour the very first day and then to increase the wearing time for an addition hour every day after. While that may be appropriate to get my son familiar and comfortable with the helmet, 23 days is a long time to get him to wearing it for 23 hours straight. Over all, I'm really diappointed as of right now. Has anyone else had this experience? I know it will get correted because I spoke to the clinic manager and they are ordering a new cranial band for my son in the pattern we had originally chosen, I'm just disgruntled that things didn't go well, especially on the 1st visit. > > > > From: <megan@playhardgetdi rty.com> > > Subject: How do you answer??? > > Plagiocephaly > > Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 5:37 PM > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > > My twins are now 5 months old and one of them will be receiving > their > > Hanger Cranial Band from Hanger Orthotics this coming Tuesday, July > > 1st. While I am glad that such treatment is available for > > plagiocephaly, I am a bit nervous when it comes to answering > strangers > > as to why one of my twins has a " helmet " on his head. I am also > worried > > about people staring, as that is only human nature when you see > > somthing out of the ordinary. > > > > How have all of you answered strangers questions when they ask or > when > > they stare? What about when little kids stare, laugh and/or point > at > > your child?? > > > > Thank you in advance for your help. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 I am sorry with your experience. I know with the StaRband we eased into fulltime wear. It was like an hour on hour off the first day and then 2 hours the next day and 2 off and the 3rd day was like 4 hours on and then 4 off and then I think the next day was fulltime wear. My daughter graduated in Jan. 2003 so I am not positive if that was the exact schedule but it was somethig like that. What facility are oyu using? Maybe someone in the group has used the same one and share their experiences there. Angie(Jenna STAR grad 2003) How do you answer???> > Plagiocephaly> > Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 5:37 PM> > > > > > Hi Everyone,> > > > My twins are now 5 months old and one of them will be receiving > their > > Hanger Cranial Band from Hanger Orthotics this coming Tuesday, July > > 1st. While I am glad that such treatment is available for > > plagiocephaly, I am a bit nervous when it comes to answering > strangers > > as to why one of my twins has a "helmet" on his head. I am also > worried > > about people staring, as that is only human nature when you see > > somthing out of the ordinary. > > > > How have all of you answered strangers questions when they ask or > when > > they stare? What about when little kids stare, laugh and/or point > at > > your child??> > > > Thank you in advance for your help.> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Hi - I'm sorry the first visit did not go well. My first question would be does the helmet seem to fit properly? Did the ortho have to make any adjustments to it and are you happy with the fit (given that there is some tweeking the might need to be done at first)? Also, when was your son scanned/casted for this band and how long will it take to get the new one? I would be concerned if the new one comes in more than two weeks past the date of the scan/cast, since it might not be the best fit (how old is your son? if he's in a growth spurt, waiting too long for the new band without a new scan/cast could be a problem). I do know that StarBands have a break in period that takes about 5-6 days to get to 23 hours, and I believe Hanger typically follows a similar schedule, but I've never heard of it taking 23 days to ease into it. That's just a bunch of lost time. I would say if you're happy with the initial fit to this point, he can start wearing it for at least an hour on, an hour off, then depending how he does, go to 2 hours on, 1 hour off, etc. I would also voice your concerns with the clinic manager. Is the ortho you saw today the same one you have seen throughout the beginning of the process and the same one you will continue to see? Please keep us posted on you situation. Good luck! Jake-21m (tort resolved/rt plagio/DOCBand #2 4 weeks) Jordan-4 > > > > > > From: <megan@playhardgetdi rty.com> > > > Subject: How do you answer??? > > > Plagiocephaly > > > Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 5:37 PM > > > > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > > > > My twins are now 5 months old and one of them will be receiving > > their > > > Hanger Cranial Band from Hanger Orthotics this coming Tuesday, > July > > > 1st. While I am glad that such treatment is available for > > > plagiocephaly, I am a bit nervous when it comes to answering > > strangers > > > as to why one of my twins has a " helmet " on his head. I am also > > worried > > > about people staring, as that is only human nature when you see > > > somthing out of the ordinary. > > > > > > How have all of you answered strangers questions when they ask or > > when > > > they stare? What about when little kids stare, laugh and/or point > > at > > > your child?? > > > > > > Thank you in advance for your help. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 Hi , My son's first band was from Hanger. They should have given you a sheet to take home that included the wearing and cleaning instructions for the band. You're right to be concerned if the ortho didn't seem to be knowledgeable about the break-in schedule and cleaning. Definitely call the office and ask them to go over both. The break-in schedule for my son's Hanger band was as follows: Day 1: 1 hour on for three times a day Day 2: 2 hours on for three times a day Day 3: 4 hours on for three times a day Day 4: 6 hours on twice a day Day 5: 6-8 hours on twice a day Day 6: 8 hours of day wear and all night Day 7: begin wearing 23 hours a day For cleaning, the instructions that we received from Hanger said to clean it with baby soap and rinse well. It also said you can also use or alternate cleaning regiments with rubbing alcohol allowing the helmet to air dry. I found that putting it in front of a fan helped to dry it much faster. Hope this helps. > > > > > > From: <megan@playhardgetdi rty.com> > > > Subject: How do you answer??? > > > Plagiocephaly > > > Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 5:37 PM > > > > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > > > > My twins are now 5 months old and one of them will be receiving > > their > > > Hanger Cranial Band from Hanger Orthotics this coming Tuesday, > July > > > 1st. While I am glad that such treatment is available for > > > plagiocephaly, I am a bit nervous when it comes to answering > > strangers > > > as to why one of my twins has a " helmet " on his head. I am also > > worried > > > about people staring, as that is only human nature when you see > > > somthing out of the ordinary. > > > > > > How have all of you answered strangers questions when they ask or > > when > > > they stare? What about when little kids stare, laugh and/or point > > at > > > your child?? > > > > > > Thank you in advance for your help. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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