Over the past few weeks, my husband and I have been deciding how we should tackle Luna’s flat spot. We were referred to Cranial Technologies by our pediatrician, and their report suggested that Lu’s little noggin’ was on the severe end of moderate. Should we get her a helmet or just hope it rounds over time? People out there have a lot of opinions about this topic, and seem to be either vehemently against it or tout it as the best thing they have ever done for their child. Ultimately though, I knew it was our decision to make.
And we went with the helmet.
I couldn’t stomach the idea that if it didn’t round out on its own down the line, that there was something that could have helped her, but I decided to pass on it. I haven’t cried yet, which is nothing short of a miracle. I think I’m the only one with the problem though. Luna has not taken issue with it at all. She sleeps just as well, and although wasn’t as smiley the first couple of days, is now her usual happy self. One thing I have noticed is that she is really struggling with tummy time. The extra weight on her head (how ever light weight the helmet advertises to be) is really doing a number on her, and she is barely lifting her head up – often just laying down in total defeat with or without crying.
I asked multiple times if the helmet would stunt or stand in the way of her development, and I was assured it would not, so I’m hoping she is just adjusting to the new weight on the top of her head and will be raising it up higher and with better control in no time (at the time I wrote this post, we were only on day 3). We are scheduled for a 7 week treatment window, and I cross all my body parts that that was an accurate estimate. Although I’m looking forward to decorating this new accessory (look out for it on social media), I can’t wait for it to be retired. I soothe my mommy emoness by reminding myself that I am doing what’s best for my child, no matter what that may mean. And also by telling myself that if this is the worst I have to battle, then I’m the luckiest mommy on this planet.
Have any of your kiddos had to use the DocBand (or a similar cranial helmet)? Any advice to offer this newcomer?
Danielle Knapp says
I can only imagine the inner mommy emotional battle you’re having, but you made the decision you felt was best for her – momma’s know best for their babies 🙂 I love how you’ve decorated it too!
Kay says
Good for you for making the decision you thought was best! That’s what important, and little Luna will be all the better off for it. 🙂
Jaclyn says
My son Had the helmet 6 years ago, when it wasn’t so popular. It was a great decision and in no way did it affect his development, in fact it may have been a very good thing when he started walking! It was hard for me but it didn’t bother him in the slightest.
Val says
Hugs, Meli! No experience personally, but we’ve all stressed over something as mothers. She looks adorable! And this is much like the braces you may or may not opt for in 13 years. 7 weeks will fly by in a blink of an eye!
Aimée Julia Cottle says
No personal experience but one of my friends used a cranial helmet for their second daughter and she’s now had her helmet off for a few months and the flat spot is rounded out. Her mum says it’s the best thing she did and she’s glad she did it, and it hasn’t seemed to stunt little Emily’s development. I hope things will go smoothly and that you’ll have a similar experience! x http://www.aimeeraindropwrites.co.uk x
KimiWho.com says
Honestly, I think it’s great that you chose the helmet. Believe me… you’d be surprised the kind of crazy things you could face down the road to correct the issue if for whatever reason you didn’t pick the helmet and her head never rounded out.
My little brother’s head is very flat. I don’t know if my Mother is just not well informed or what, but she didn’t put my brother on his stomach nearly enough. It got to the point that once his next doctor’s appointment came around, it was too late and they were talking about surgery to fix it.
Guess who’s brother still has a flat head?
melificent says
I just went with my mommy gut! Thanks so much!
melificent says
Thanks!
melificent says
Yes, I’ve heard they can serve as a great protection against all those hard knocks 😉
melificent says
I’m starting to realize my new life as a mom will be filled with all sorts of stressors lol.
melificent says
That’s wonderful to hear!
melificent says
Oh boy! It was definitely a tough decision, but I also think we made the right one.