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plagiocephaly/doc band/helmet & breastfeeding

JJ1973JJ1973 member
in Breastfeeding
Hi - my LO (just turning 5 months) has moderate plagiocephaly (flat head) probably due to torticollis. We have a consult scheduled for Monday with people who measure his head and give us information regarding helmets (doc band). Does anyone have experience breastfeeding a baby with a helmet? Does it interfere? We still are undecided about what to do, but the pediatrician indicated that they would recommend it (I guess they always do). Our LO's head definitely has a flat spot, but it has gotten a touch better this past month as he has done more tummy time, and it isn't totally obvious, particularly from the front. Just not sure so making sure to investigate all angles. 
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Re: plagiocephaly/doc band/helmet & breastfeeding

  • harmonicbabe26harmonicbabe26 member
    No advice on BFing with a doc band other than give it a try with the band and if it is in the way, then take it off for the few minutes of feeding. BUT as far as the band, my advice is ABSOLUTELY go for it! My DD had to wear hers and I am soooo glad that i pushed the issue. If I wasn't so pushy about it she would have a flat one side of her head, shifted ear, facial asymmetry for the rest of her life. Her case was considered mild but after treatment I was shocked - and sooo pleased - to see the results... Nothing to be scared of with this!
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  • JJ1973JJ1973 member
    Thanks. I also pushed the issue but now I'm second guessing myself. Our pediatrician has kind of been laid back about addressing several things, I feel like such a squeaky wheel. I just hadn't considered that it might interfere with breastfeeding and then I got kind of sad thinking that it might. Just looking for some success stories. Our pediatrician could have gone either way - she thinks it will improve without the helmet, but only so much, but that the helmet might make a bigger difference. 
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  • harmonicbabe26harmonicbabe26 member
    @JJ1973‌ To me personally giving a child a normal head for life time is more important than breast feeding, which typically lasts about 1 year - though of course some moms choose to BF longer. I firmly believe you can absolutely make BFing work with a helmet, but you absolutely CAN'T undo plagio after that critical early period of life has passed. If you want PM me and I can share our experience and some pics with you. Also I found a good support group for plagio on babycenter.com.
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  • JJ1973JJ1973 member
    theresat858: my thoughts were that the helmet might be heavy or cumbersome. My LO has already been through a host of breastfeeding issues, including tongue tie revisions (plural), a lip tie revision, reflux (requiring a GI specialist and medication), milk protein intolerance... The thought of one more challenge just gets me a bit anxious. I of course realize the helmet does not cover the child's mouth. 

    I agree having a normal head is more important than breastfeeding; however, it seems that some believe this will occur to some extent without a helmet for children with milder cases (such as mine). That is the only reason I am weighing the pros and cons. It seems like most of the parents who have put their children through this process are quite happy, so I will probably opt to have it done and hope for the best. 

    Thanks, everyone. 
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  • CNYBride05CNYBride05 member
    theresat858 said:
    Why would baby in a helmet interfere with breastfeeding?  The helmets I've seen don't cover baby's mouth... You may have to try new positions, but with a 5 month old, on your chest facing you directly should be possible, and I can't see how a helmet would interfere with that.

    Ridiculous! Why are you so unnecessarily snarky and rude?
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  • kjsmith9kjsmith9 member
    I'm a pediatric PT and see lots of babies with plagiocephaly and/or torticollis.  Preference for doc bands really seems to be a regional thing.  I live in a large city and rarely see a child put in a band - and if they are, it's closer to 9-12 months old.  Also, insurance around here doesn't pay for them unless you see a neurologist who writes a letter stating there will be neurological implications (because they're considered cosmetic and they don't want to pay for them).  In mild cases, there should be improvement with constant thought to positioning (but of course, that's easier said than done).

    They are a bit heavy, and can delay developmental milestones like sitting up and crawling.  So I would guess they could make nursing a bit different, but not impossible.  Using a boppy and having overall good support will likely help the most!
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  • harmonicbabe26harmonicbabe26 member
    Hey, I started thinking about this more and it came back to me that we DID bf with the helmet for about a month and a half! It took a while to come back but yes we were able to do it. Later she was too distracted so I pumped but it was fine when we did it.

    Also helmets are super light, 3 oz I think. They can't be heavy as they would strain the baby's neck too much.

    I think you will be just fine if you have to go it. Good luck!
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  • blue_elleblue_elle member
    mrssqueegy said:



    Plagiocephaly is purely a cosmetic issue.  Obviously still something that people want fixed, but nonetheless a cosmetic one.

    False. Plagio can cause vision problems and jaw misalignment leading to issues like TMJ. Plagio kids are also at risk for developmental delays, though it's unknown as of yet if the plagio is the cause or effect of this correlation. Not to mention social implications and difficulty with with things like properly fitting helmets and safety gear when older. Obviously those risks are dependent on the severity on the plagio, but they are real and not just cosmetic. Even if it were simply cosmetic, of my child has a mouth full of crooked teeth I wouldn't think twice about braces. This is no different IMO.



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  • harmonicbabe26harmonicbabe26 member
    edited June 2014
    blue_elle said:

    mrssqueegy said:



    Plagiocephaly is purely a cosmetic issue.  Obviously still something that people want fixed, but nonetheless a cosmetic one.

    False. Plagio can cause vision problems and jaw misalignment leading to issues like TMJ. Plagio kids are also at risk for developmental delays, though it's unknown as of yet if the plagio is the cause or effect of this correlation. Not to mention social implications and difficulty with with things like properly fitting helmets and safety gear when older. Obviously those risks are dependent on the severity on the plagio, but they are real and not just cosmetic. Even if it were simply cosmetic, of my child has a mouth full of crooked teeth I wouldn't think twice about braces. This is no different IMO.



    Totally agree with @blue_elle‌ !!! I was sooo furious when at my first consult a ped was saying that DD's plagio was 'just cosmetic' and wouldn't matter! I can show you photos before and after! was ready to strangle him. Luckily I didn't give up and sought 2nd opinion and now K has a perfect little noggin. Ughh... 'By itself' correction will only go so far. People should get over seeing helmets as a stigma. And completely disagree with the comment that A flat/crooked head has lesser long term effects vs BFing. Ughh... @mrssqueegy‌ You should be in that boat first before stating something like that...
    Ughh I am very passionate about this issue.
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