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?
