Regression -- good news and bad

March 29, 2010

I just want to make a quick post about post-helmet regression.

My son, , wore a helmet from 6-9 months, during which time he went from

94% C.I. and 11mm plagio to 86% C.I. and 0mm plagio. To be honest, although

hand measurements said 0mm, there was still some asymmetry in his head, but not

flatness, and it did not bother me. There are probably pictures in the N

section--he is Pratt-- if you want to look.

When he was 15 months I freaked out and took in and he was measured at

89% C.I. and still 0mm plagio. I was super-bummed out, as you can imagine, that

he was up at 89%, but the orthotist said he looked great and it was too late for

another band anyway. I have always assumed that the 86% was a measurement

error.

However, a couple weeks ago my son got a haircut and to my horror his flat spot

on the left seems to be back. There is no question about it. I'd be surprised

if his measurement was less than 5mm. This happened only in the last few months

(he is 20 mos now)!!! sleeps (when he does) on a bed with a soft pillow

and he sleeps completely on his side---sometimes right and sometimes left. So I

can't understand how this could have happened. I feel like I'm going crazy.

Anyway, this is not supposed to be a counseling forum, so never mind my

psychological state. My point is just that change CAN happen in the second

year---no question about it. Not only should you be very careful about how your

post-band baby sleeps, but you should go as far as you can with the band before

quitting. You want room for a little regression and the longer they're in the

band the safer they are from it.

Let me clarify one thing here: I do not think an asymmetry of 5mm is anything

to feel bad about, per se. I would not band starting at that. I'm just bummed

out that I could have been banding for brachy this year and there

probably would have been a change, but instead believed everyone that it was too

late and have to sit here watching the plagio return.

That's it for now. Thanks for listening and I hope it is helpful to someone!

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