Re: Introduction, Mom of triplets

August 21, 2009

Hi Ann,

I don't know where you are (this group requests that you add that

information to your signature); but my Baby A, Clara must have drawn

the worst day of the entire year to get a STARband. It's been so hot

and humid these last two weeks. Still, she pulled through the break-

in period like a champ, so I know things will work out for you as well.

My sense was that Clara's discomfort was entirely about her skin

adjusting to the heat. I could have wiped the helmet more often, I

suppopse, but the helmet rotated and covered her sideburn area, and

after four days she developed a rash there. On the sixth day, I

finally applied Cort-Aid (Hydrocortisone 1%) to good effect; and on

the seventh day, the helmet was padded and trimmed a little to

improve ventilation to the area, speeding the healing.

Otherwise, the break-in schedule we were given was perfectly

calibrated. About the time we were supposed to give Clara a break,

she would start fussing and tugging at the helmet. (As distinguished

from rubbing at the rash.)

Her twin sister is very jealous of her " pretty hat, " so do consider

sibling rivalry when gauging Beau's reaction. I saw this as being

potentially useful and did nothing to prevent it. Having read here

about people's experiences in public, I took Clara directly from the

orthotist's to a supermarket, so that people would fuss over her and

instill a notion that the helmet makes her special. Worked like a

charm! When we got home, and Milly Ellen started fussing at the new

development, Clara just calmly stared her down.

I do compliment Milly Ellen on her curly hair, which sheep-shorn

Clara no longer has. Even so, she's been seen attempting to wear

stack-a-rings on her head to get back on par! I feel for her, but I

also know that her jealous antics are making Clara that much more

compliant. I now get ten times more fussing over diaper changes than

when I take the band off briefly for a wipe-down.

--

Thad Launderville

Montpelier, VT, 16 m.o. Clara in STARband since 8/10

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