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Plagiocephaly helmets

cdale86cdale86 member
in Preemies
Hey ladies!  My daughter has plagiocephaly, which I noticed in while she was still in NICU under 1 month old.  She was also diagnosed with torticollis, which has now resolved with PT treatment since 2-3 months of age.  I also worked on her plagiocephaly with aggressive repositioning and tummy time.  It seemed to be improving a while ago, but has not for several months.  She has been sitting independently for 2 months and is mobile rolling on the floor.  There is nothing else I can do on my own to encourage further improvement.  

I asked the pedi about it today at her 9 month check up.  He is very laid back and I knew I would need to push for a consult.  He said that "they don't do helmets anymore.  We used to in the 90s, but the literature doesn't support them."  I know that is FALSE.  I have seen a few super cute helmet baby pics in some of your siggys. Also checked out some big name hospitals (like Boston Children's) and they definitely do helmets. He is going to refer us to a neurosurgeon.  For those with experience with helmets, is that the appropriate physican referral?  Also, have you seen improvement with your baby's head?  She's 9 months old and I know that if something is to be done, it needs to be done ASAP.


2 year TTC journey with successful IVF in Nov 2012- B/G Twins!
Baby Boy diagnosed with omphalocele and diaphragmatic hernia
Born at 32 weeks due to PROM.  Emergency c-section due to prolapsed cord.
Said Goodbye to our sweet Bennett after 5 short hours.  
Spent 35 days in the NICU with our little girl.

Lilypie Premature Baby tickers
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Re: Plagiocephaly helmets

  • Missa_gMissa_g member
    What is her adjusted age? The ideal time is around 6m adjusted so definitely push for a quick referral if you feel a helmet might be needed. We saw dramatic improvement. My son's flat spot was on the back right side. It caused bulging on the left side of his forehead and his ears were way off. It's been 11 months since he stopped wearing the helmet and you can't even tell he ever had a flat spot. I can still see slight asymmetry to his ears but no one else can. It was completely worth it for us.
    Lilypie Premature Baby tickers
    Married 9/22/07, began TTC 8/10
    Diagnosed with DOR, LP defect, mild endometriosis and cysts
    BFP #1 EDD 9/10/11, natural miscarriage at 6w
    BFP #2 Medicated cycle, twin boys born 4/4/12 at 29w4d
    BFP #3 EDD 8/8/14, D&C for missed miscarriage at 8w, baby boy with triploidy
    BFP #4 June 2014 CP
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  • cdale86cdale86 member
    @ChickenOnSunday:  I'm not sure how severe the flat spot is.  Everything always seems worse to mom's right?  I at least want to get the best eval possible, even if she doesn't need one.  If I go to a physician that doesn't do helmets at all, then I feel like that's probably not the best option.  She does have bulging in her forehead and her PT noted that her ears are lopsided.  She recommended an eval.  Side note:  Love your badge!  I'm also an "O" mom.

    @Missa_g:  Adjusted age is 7 months.  With even the possibility of needing a helmet, I am so anxious to get evaluated ASAP!  Glad to hear that it worked out well for your little one!

    Thanks for your responses
    2 year TTC journey with successful IVF in Nov 2012- B/G Twins!
    Baby Boy diagnosed with omphalocele and diaphragmatic hernia
    Born at 32 weeks due to PROM.  Emergency c-section due to prolapsed cord.
    Said Goodbye to our sweet Bennett after 5 short hours.  
    Spent 35 days in the NICU with our little girl.

    Lilypie Premature Baby tickers
    Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers
    Report Reply
  • flerlgirlflerlgirl member
    we were referred to a children's orthopedist for our helmet. below is a diagram showing the improvement for DS! let me know if you have questions; ds is trying to eat my hair so I am typing one handed right now :)

    image





    I'm not new. I just hate The Bump. 

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  • danalawrencedanalawrence member
    If you have a cranial technologies near you - HUGE recommend from me. https://www.cranialtech.com One of my twins (Baby A, the lower baby who got smushed) had severe plagio. After seven weeks in the helmet - solved. Cutest roundest most symmetric head ever :)
    D (34), J (37) and T3 (ages 2, 2 and brand new)
    Nov '10: IVF#1: BFP! Girl. Missed m/c at 14 weeks. Devastated
    Apr '11: IVF#2: BFP! Twin Girls born on Dec 3, 2011 at 31w5d! One month in NICU.
    Oct '13: IVF#3: BFP! Girl born Jun 19, 2014 at 38w3d!
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