Re: Second day with helmet - TOUGH - help, suggestions for adjusting

[Guest guest]

Thank you so very much to everyone! Ya'll are awesome! We will

definitely stick with the helmet. I don't believe that plagiocephaly

is just cosmetic. Our Dr explained that everything from stigmatisms

in the eye when they are pushed forward, earaches when the ears are

misaligned and don't drain properly, and even sinus infections when

the sinus cavities don't form and drain property can be the result of

plagiocephaly left untreated.

Our ortho gave a great example too...I didn't know this, but the

sinus cavities in your forehead aren't formed until well into the

toddler years...therefore, the affects of plagiocephally on the

unformed sinus cavities is hard to measure. However, if you think of

your sinuses like a bowl of water...leave it in the backyard long

enough and something is going to start growing in it...it's the same

way if the sinus cavities can't drain...sooner or later something is

going to start growing and could cause long term sinus infections.

This is definitely hard adjusting to the bad sleep, but I know it

will be worth it when we're done. I'm hoping each night gets a

little better. Noah doesn't have red marks on his head so I know we

have a good fit. I think tonight instead of nursing him back to

sleep, I'll just rock him. I don't want to start forming bad

sleeping/eating patterns. He (we) are all going to have to get used

to the helmet....he actually seems pretty happy today...everyone in

the church nursery commented on how good he was. They also LOVE the

paint job...which, by the way, finally dried!!!

So, things are looking up today. Thanks for letting me have my

temper tantrum last night when I wrote my original post.

>

> Good email. Very inspirational. Thanks for sending! - /Cole

is 8.5 months and been in DOCband since 12/1/08

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: Jenna & Stein <jjstein@...>

> Plagiocephaly

> Sent: Sunday, February 8, 2009 10:06:43 AM

> Subject: Re: Second day with helmet - TOUGH - help,

suggestions for adjusting

>

>

> Hello,

>

> As you can see below, I have two boys that are 20.5 months

> apart. My youngest is 6 months and has had his DOC band for 2

> weeks. Here are some thoughts:

> 1. Always rule out an earache or teething. If your child

screams whenever (s)he lays down, or is constantly playing with one

ear, there's a good chance they have an ear infection. If they are

teething, this can easily cause mood swings and lack of sleep. Don't

worry – these are both very normal. With our first son, my doctor

told us that most kids get ear infections and all have teething

issues. We used Hyland's Alll-Natural teething tablets to help and

on a rare occasion would give him a dose of Tylenol if it was really

bad.

> 2. The DOC band, STAR band or whatever product you choose has

been tested on thousands of children. They should not cause any pain

but will probably be a little irritating while the kids adjust. (If

you do think it's causing pain or you notice dark red marks, follow

their instructions! )

> 3. YOU help control your child's reaction to anything in

life. This is a hard one to deal with because you want everything to

be happy and easy for them. Try your hardest not to be upset or down

as your child is trying to adjust. The saying " Fake it till you make

it " is one of my favorites! Seriously, try for a couple of hours to

just be happy and play with your child. Try to pretend that the

helmet is not on when it is and just be SILLY. When my little guy

gets irritated, I just try to switch things up to distract him. We

play " airplane " and I kiss him or try to rub noses often and it

cracks him up. He goes from cranky to giggles in no time.

> 4. The more times you take your child in and out of the

helmet, the more confusing it will be. If they get used to wearing

it 23 hours per day, they will adjust and it will become their

version of " normal " – even if it may not be yours. This is perhaps

one of the most important points. It was hard for me to leave

Tylerin his helmet for the full 23 hours starting the 2 night, but I

did it and he learned to adjust.

> I know things are easier said than done and I am NOT trying to

> minimize your situation. When your child is unhappy it can feel

like your

> world is covered by a dark cloud. When we go through very

stressful times

> with our children and we can't help but have it affect us. (Last

> week we spent an entire day between two Hospitals/Chldren's ER with

my

> older son. It was excruciating but I had to do my best to stay

positive

> so he would not be so scared.) Sometimes I find when I am able to

stay

> positive for my kids that all of us feel better at the end!

> I hope that things go smoothly soon. It's great

> that you have so many parents to reach out to on this site. You

should

> continue to post if you need support. I, too, have experienced a

> wonderful support when I posted before my son received his band.

I'm

> sure that there is someone who can give you advice that helps. So

long as

> you do what works best for you and your family, you can't go wrong!

>

> Best wishes,

> Jenna

>