Decided to get band (I think)--Is it necessary? Will Personality change?

[Guest guest]

Hi, new here and wondering if any of you can answer my questions. Our son Rayan

was diagnosed with brachycephaly, but I am not sure how severe it is. His head

is higher and not as long, but with major repositioning over 3 months (since he

was 3 months old) it has gotten alot better...

We received lots of advice from doctors that it was relatively mild and just

would be cosmetic, but all my research said otherwise. So we went to cranial

technologies here in San Diego and got an evaluation and they said he was for

sure a candidate.

We want to do what is best for him in the long run, but i am concerned about

parent posts about personality changes...did those changes last?

Also, are you guys positive that after 6-7 months old that repositioning or

normal growth will do relatively little to improve his head shape? As in, is it

necessary to get the band? Will it really stay this shape forever?

It's hard to find pics of relatively symmetrical Brachy that answers if it might

improve of its own.

So, if any of you could help answer these questions, and offer me some comfort

that the experience would not be detrimental to him, that would be great.

Thanks.--Ruth

[Guest guest]

Hi-

My son's personality did not change a bit. And he was 17 months old when he got

his band and I was sure he would fight it or put up a fuss because he was " stuck

in his ways " by then, but he didn't blink an eye and was fine from day one.

My son has plagio, not brachy, and because he was older, did not get 100%

correction (though that can be unachievable at younger ages in some situations).

We did get very good correction, but I still notice the remaining asymmetry.

He's 3.5 now and his head has not changed in shape, only size, since he

graduated from his band a year and a half ago. His flat spot is significantly

noticeable when his hair is wet and he still has some mild forehead bossing.

My friend has a daughter who will turn 2 on Saturday and she has moderate brachy

(in my estimation). She knows my son well and knew him when he wore his bands,

but never noticed anything about her daughter's head and I was too chicken to

say anything. I did explain brachy to her, but she doesn't seem to notice an

issue with her daughter's head and it's too late to say anything now, since

she's 2 already. If it hasn't rounded out on its own by now, it most likely

won't since the sutures are fused (or nearly).

I repositioned my son from about 2-5 months old, for the primary purpose of

helping his torticollis. No one told me to continue to do it for his head shape.

(We were just told over and over again that it would round out on its own). He

was very active from 6 months on, sitting up, crawling, etc. However hs head

shape did not improve and that is why we finally banded at 17 months.

I have seen a number of older children with plagio and brachy since beginning

our plagio journey and I'm convinced that it does NOT improve on its own, at

least not substantially. I have very few real regrets in my life but the one on

the top of the list is listening to the doctors that told me it would correct

itself. If I had banded when he was 4 months old, he would have a " perfectly "

round head now.

Unfortunately, we can't predict the future, so my advice is always " better safe

than sorry. "

Oh and by the way, we went to Cranial Tech as well (Charlotte) and they are

really great, you are definitely in good hands there.

Good luck with your decision.

Jake-3.5 (DOCBand Grad 9/08)

>

> Hi, new here and wondering if any of you can answer my questions. Our son

Rayan was diagnosed with brachycephaly, but I am not sure how severe it is.

His head is higher and not as long, but with major repositioning over 3 months

(since he was 3 months old) it has gotten alot better...

>

> We received lots of advice from doctors that it was relatively mild and just

would be cosmetic, but all my research said otherwise. So we went to cranial

technologies here in San Diego and got an evaluation and they said he was for

sure a candidate.

>

> We want to do what is best for him in the long run, but i am concerned about

parent posts about personality changes...did those changes last?

>

> Also, are you guys positive that after 6-7 months old that repositioning or

normal growth will do relatively little to improve his head shape? As in, is it

necessary to get the band? Will it really stay this shape forever?

>

> It's hard to find pics of relatively symmetrical Brachy that answers if it

might improve of its own.

>

> So, if any of you could help answer these questions, and offer me some comfort

that the experience would not be detrimental to him, that would be great.

Thanks.--Ruth

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the response so quickly! Personal accounts are so much more helpful

than the case studies or related research I may read in journals or the like. I

am glad to hear some support for the need for the band. We also want to make

sure that we have no regrets, so long as he will not be harmed in any way by

wearing it.

I of course am also concerned about heat discomfort, people staring at him,

other moms that i might meet up with and how they might view it...

Any thoughts from any of you? I keep hearing that decorating it makes a

difference in how people perceive it. It's just that my son is a very

lighthearted and social child and i want to make sure that his interactions with

others won't be damaged.

Do any of you have thoughts on adjusting with the band socially for him and for

me? What about comfort? I'm worried about taking him to the beach, having him

out in the sun, how to dress him to sleep, etc.

In short, I have way too many questions...lol. The more answers the better:)

But your response so far was quite helpful, especially about your

friend...knowing that it wouldn't likely change more on its own is somewhat

reassuring for the decision--Ruth

> >

> > Hi, new here and wondering if any of you can answer my questions. Our son

Rayan was diagnosed with brachycephaly, but I am not sure how severe it is.

His head is higher and not as long, but with major repositioning over 3 months

(since he was 3 months old) it has gotten alot better...

> >

> > We received lots of advice from doctors that it was relatively mild and just

would be cosmetic, but all my research said otherwise. So we went to cranial

technologies here in San Diego and got an evaluation and they said he was for

sure a candidate.

> >

> > We want to do what is best for him in the long run, but i am concerned about

parent posts about personality changes...did those changes last?

> >

> > Also, are you guys positive that after 6-7 months old that repositioning or

normal growth will do relatively little to improve his head shape? As in, is it

necessary to get the band? Will it really stay this shape forever?

> >

> > It's hard to find pics of relatively symmetrical Brachy that answers if it

might improve of its own.

> >

> > So, if any of you could help answer these questions, and offer me some

comfort that the experience would not be detrimental to him, that would be

great. Thanks.--Ruth

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ruth,

My daughter had brachy with only 4.5 mm of asymmetry (very mild). She got a lot

of improvement while in her band (age 5 - 10 mo) but after graduation I have

seen very little if any change, and she's now 4 yrs old. Her head is certainly

bigger now, but overall is the same. I have seen others say they have noticed

improvement, but you really don't know if you'll get lucky or not.

You can see pictures of my daughter in the photos section Our Plagio Babies

S/Sydney M. Here is a link:

Plagiocephaly/photos/album/1577428621/pic/10538202\

51/view?picmode=original & mode=tn & order=ordinal & start=41 & dir=asc

My daughter's personality did not change at all while in her band. She never

slept well in her band, but she never slept well and still doesn't :-)

-christine

sydney, 4yrs, starband grad

>

> Hi, new here and wondering if any of you can answer my questions. Our son

Rayan was diagnosed with brachycephaly, but I am not sure how severe it is.

His head is higher and not as long, but with major repositioning over 3 months

(since he was 3 months old) it has gotten alot better...

>

> We received lots of advice from doctors that it was relatively mild and just

would be cosmetic, but all my research said otherwise. So we went to cranial

technologies here in San Diego and got an evaluation and they said he was for

sure a candidate.

>

> We want to do what is best for him in the long run, but i am concerned about

parent posts about personality changes...did those changes last?

>

> Also, are you guys positive that after 6-7 months old that repositioning or

normal growth will do relatively little to improve his head shape? As in, is it

necessary to get the band? Will it really stay this shape forever?

>

> It's hard to find pics of relatively symmetrical Brachy that answers if it

might improve of its own.

>

> So, if any of you could help answer these questions, and offer me some comfort

that the experience would not be detrimental to him, that would be great.

Thanks.--Ruth

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ruth.

I also had a load of questions and worries before we banded, and now I look back

and can't believe how worried I was--this was so much easier than I expected! A

few thoughts about the points you raised:

Personality--didn't notice any change. Still a smiley, happy-go-lucky baby.

Heat discomfort--Well, we've been lucky to have ours on during the winter (which

in N. Cal isn't too extreme). There is some excessive sweating for the first

few days while they adjust, but after that you just learn to dress them lighter

than you normally would. Are you in San Diego, or inland? Your temps will be

moderate enough that you'll be totally fine.

General comfort--the DOCband only weighs about 6 oz. It's so light! Once your

baby adjusts to it, it will become as routine to her as putting on her socks.

We do have to take it on and off to get our baby dressed, and take it off for

cleaning at night, but other than that he wears it all the time and it doesn't

bother him a bit.

People staring--yes, they do. Most are well meaning. I try to just smile back

to put them at ease, and many smile in return. The ones who don't I just

ignore. It took me awhile to adjust to the stares, but now I forget about them.

Sometimes I even notice someone staring at me and think, " Why are they watching

us? " And then I remember the helmet! That's how accustomed I've become to it.

What HAS been nice is that tons of people go out of their way to give positive

attention to . He has lots of fans rooting for him, and I love that

feeling. People often go out of their way to help us too, and I figure, hey,

I'll take it!

Socially--it may help you to come up with your own quick explanation of the band

for people who ask. If you'd rather not have to explain it over and over again,

send out an email to friends and family explaining what's going on. We were so

thrilled with the positive response we got from all our family whom we emailed

about 's band. They all supported us and said they would pray for him to

grow while in the band (he started at 9 months, so that was a concern for us).

It's brought our family closer together.

I talked to a grandmother who said, " My granddaughter was supposed to get one of

those (the band), but my daughter just couldn't stand the thought of seeing her

child in it. " I couldn't help but feel sorry for that baby who will grow up

with a less-than-ideal headshape that could have been corrected if her mom had

only been able to get over her own issue. Truth is, NONE of us WANTS to see our

baby in the band (duh, right?). The babies are fine with it and are too young

to know any different really, so it seems to me that I would have been selfish

if I would have given in to my feelings of dread at seeing him wearing it. I

certainly did cry many times at the thought of having to put him in the band,

but having it on has been SO much easier than the anticipation of having it. I

grew used to it in the first couple of days and think he looks so darn cute in

it!

We go to CT in Pasadena, and have been thrilled with our experience there and

with the DOCband. I've read many positive comments here about the San Diego

office as well.

Best of luck to you!

Mom to , 11 months

DOCband 12/29

> > >

> > > Hi, new here and wondering if any of you can answer my questions. Our son

Rayan was diagnosed with brachycephaly, but I am not sure how severe it is.

His head is higher and not as long, but with major repositioning over 3 months

(since he was 3 months old) it has gotten alot better...

> > >

> > > We received lots of advice from doctors that it was relatively mild and

just would be cosmetic, but all my research said otherwise. So we went to

cranial technologies here in San Diego and got an evaluation and they said he

was for sure a candidate.

> > >

> > > We want to do what is best for him in the long run, but i am concerned

about parent posts about personality changes...did those changes last?

> > >

> > > Also, are you guys positive that after 6-7 months old that repositioning

or normal growth will do relatively little to improve his head shape? As in, is

it necessary to get the band? Will it really stay this shape forever?

> > >

> > > It's hard to find pics of relatively symmetrical Brachy that answers if it

might improve of its own.

> > >

> > > So, if any of you could help answer these questions, and offer me some

comfort that the experience would not be detrimental to him, that would be

great. Thanks.--Ruth

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks . My husband was really worried about seeing him as a different kid

with the band on. I think that our worries are fairly normal, but it is nice to

hear that others have felt the same.

We are a little inland in the North county area, but still get some of the coast

weather, so I hope it won't be too bad heat-wise.

I am also wondering about decorating the band. I see many with Starbands that

look like they had theirs airbrushed with designs. I don't know if there are

similar options with the DOC band, only that their site claims that they don't

themselves recommend a specific artist. Any ideas on where to look for that?

Now that we have decided, I am eager to begin the process. We get him scanned

on Monday and then have a two week waiting period to get fitted. Yeah, I just

want it to start so that i can get over my trepidation, and my husband too.

I also wish i could easily find other moms in my area that are also treating

their kids.....There used to be a meetup group for it, but it seems to have

disbanded....

> > > >

> > > > Hi, new here and wondering if any of you can answer my questions. Our

son Rayan was diagnosed with brachycephaly, but I am not sure how severe it is.

His head is higher and not as long, but with major repositioning over 3 months

(since he was 3 months old) it has gotten alot better...

> > > >

> > > > We received lots of advice from doctors that it was relatively mild and

just would be cosmetic, but all my research said otherwise. So we went to

cranial technologies here in San Diego and got an evaluation and they said he

was for sure a candidate.

> > > >

> > > > We want to do what is best for him in the long run, but i am concerned

about parent posts about personality changes...did those changes last?

> > > >

> > > > Also, are you guys positive that after 6-7 months old that repositioning

or normal growth will do relatively little to improve his head shape? As in, is

it necessary to get the band? Will it really stay this shape forever?

> > > >

> > > > It's hard to find pics of relatively symmetrical Brachy that answers if

it might improve of its own.

> > > >

> > > > So, if any of you could help answer these questions, and offer me some

comfort that the experience would not be detrimental to him, that would be

great. Thanks.--Ruth

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ruth,

My son went to SD CT and Alyssa was fantastic. He had plagio and brachy, went

through 2 helmets due to the severity of his case. He also had a bulging eye and

one ear pushed forward and the other back.

He had a really hard time and did fuss while in the Band for the first few

months. He did not adjust well. But his personality did not change. When you

are in discomfort, you may show signs of that and our children are no different,

but it is not a permanent change, as the helmet is temporary. But I felt

necessary. For us, my son would not have improved without the Doc Band and I am

so glad we did. It was hard on all of us, but now, he looks great, he has no

issues and he is just a very happy baby like he's always been. My MIL lectured

us that a doctor she met said it would forever alter his personality and that is

just not true. Or that he'd become a cranky baby.

I think that is ignorance talking. Take it from parents who've been there and

done that. We have a small window of opportunity--I'm glad I took it b/c my son

looks fantastic.

Hope that helps.

>

> Hi, new here and wondering if any of you can answer my questions. Our son

Rayan was diagnosed with brachycephaly, but I am not sure how severe it is.

His head is higher and not as long, but with major repositioning over 3 months

(since he was 3 months old) it has gotten alot better...

>

> We received lots of advice from doctors that it was relatively mild and just

would be cosmetic, but all my research said otherwise. So we went to cranial

technologies here in San Diego and got an evaluation and they said he was for

sure a candidate.

>

> We want to do what is best for him in the long run, but i am concerned about

parent posts about personality changes...did those changes last?

>

> Also, are you guys positive that after 6-7 months old that repositioning or

normal growth will do relatively little to improve his head shape? As in, is it

necessary to get the band? Will it really stay this shape forever?

>

> It's hard to find pics of relatively symmetrical Brachy that answers if it

might improve of its own.

>

> So, if any of you could help answer these questions, and offer me some comfort

that the experience would not be detrimental to him, that would be great.

Thanks.--Ruth

>

[Guest guest]

I completely agree with what wrote, my daughter has also adjusted wonderfully to her DOC band.

I can't believe how much I stressed myself out about the band before she got it (and grinding my teeth in my sleep bc I was so worried!!!) and now I honestly forget she has it. And she just looks adorable in it, decorating it does help, I think it makes others feel as though it is ok to ask about it, etc.

Her personality has not changed one bit. She is still all smiles and laughs and everyone loves talking to her when we are out. I don't personally notice people staring at us when we are out, I just must be oblivious. Last weekend at the park on the swings, my hubby heard someone speaking his native tongue (they didn't think we could understand) asking their wife about it. So when we walked away my husband started speaking to me in the language and watched their jaws drop - it was funny!!! But the man wasn't saying anything bad, he was just curious and the wife knew what it was for. I really find that most people know what it is for. And yesterday at the park, we met a new little friend who also had a DOC band on!!!

Many parents have said they were advised to get one and didn't. And I feel bad for these kids, and I think the parents regret it because they see it isn't a big deal and we embrace it. So I really think as long as you and your husband are fine with it, your child will feel that and be fine and others will feel it too and see it is cute!

Good luck and the time will fly, I promise!!!, Mom to Willow 8mths

From: Ruth <datacylorden@...>Subject: Re: Decided to get band (I think)--Is it necessary? Will Personality change?Plagiocephaly Date: Thursday, March 18, 2010, 4:27 PM

Thanks for the response so quickly! Personal accounts are so much more helpful than the case studies or related research I may read in journals or the like. I am glad to hear some support for the need for the band. We also want to make sure that we have no regrets, so long as he will not be harmed in any way by wearing it. I of course am also concerned about heat discomfort, people staring at him, other moms that i might meet up with and how they might view it...Any thoughts from any of you? I keep hearing that decorating it makes a difference in how people perceive it. It's just that my son is a very lighthearted and social child and i want to make sure that his interactions with others won't be damaged.Do any of you have thoughts on adjusting with the band socially for him and for me? What about comfort? I'm worried about taking him to the beach, having him out in the sun, how to dress him to sleep, etc.In short, I

have way too many questions... lol. The more answers the better:) But your response so far was quite helpful, especially about your friend...knowing that it wouldn't likely change more on its own is somewhat reassuring for the decision--Ruth> >> > Hi, new here and wondering if any of you can answer my questions. Our son Rayan was diagnosed with brachycephaly, but I am not sure how severe it is. His head is higher and not as long, but with major repositioning over 3 months (since he was 3 months old) it has gotten alot better...> > > > We received lots of advice from doctors that it was relatively mild and just would be cosmetic, but all my research said otherwise. So we went to cranial technologies here in San Diego and got an evaluation and they said he was for sure a candidate.> > > > We want to do

what is best for him in the long run, but i am concerned about parent posts about personality changes...did those changes last?> > > > Also, are you guys positive that after 6-7 months old that repositioning or normal growth will do relatively little to improve his head shape? As in, is it necessary to get the band? Will it really stay this shape forever? > > > > It's hard to find pics of relatively symmetrical Brachy that answers if it might improve of its own. > > > > So, if any of you could help answer these questions, and offer me some comfort that the experience would not be detrimental to him, that would be great. Thanks.--Ruth> >>