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May 2015 Moms
nursej519
member
Torticollis and Plagiocephaly
nursej519
member
Anyone else have a LO diagnosed with this? We started seeing a PT yesterday and she said my LO has an advanced case for her age. I feel like an emotional wreck. I don't know what to do. I feel like I was so overwhelmed during the appointment yesterday that I don't even remember how to properly do the exercises with her. I am so afraid she is going to end up with a helmet. I feel like this is something I did in the last 10 weeks she has been here. I would love any advice or to hear from anyone else also going through this.
Re: Torticollis and Plagiocephaly
Be patient. Ask for clarification next week. Do the best you can. That's all you can do.
Second piece of advice: it's not your fault! Babies heads are mushy and sometimes this happens. That's it. Positioning is super important. If you don't remember any exercises just be sure to be very cognizant of positioning. If she has torticillis to the right position her to the left. Left side lying (on the floor or in your arms) allows gravity to stretch her right SCM. Or if she's lying on her back to sleep roll a swaddle blanket into a log and place it lengthwise from head to toe under the right side of her body (or left, I don't know which way she's facing). This will shift her weight to take pressure off flat spot. Tummy time with her head rotated to the opposite side is wonderful. I don't want to tell you any really hands-on stretches over the Internet because you need to make sure you're doing them correctly, but you can totally handle positioning until Wed! You've got this! During your session be sure the PT gives you the opportunity to do the stretches yourself. It's important that you feel comfortable doing these everyday on your own. Have a family member take a picture of you doing the stretches (YOU, not the PT).
Just in case: I've never had a baby that acted like their helmet hurt or was uncomfortable. It's very scarey for mom, but babies get used to them quickly. Even though I think helmets are way cute (baby glasses too, haha), we do want to avoid that!! Positioning and daily stretches will soon come second nature to you.
I really would give your PT a call. If you decide to wait till you see her Wed just be sure to open up to her. She will be able to walk you through the entire process and help you cope. If she doesn't then you need a new therapist!!
Your little girl isn't broken, and there's nothing 'wrong' with her, she just needs a little extra attention right now. Keep lovin' on her and playing with her (to the opposite side of her head/neck rotation). Tummy time is your friend. Feel free to private message me if you have specific questions or just need to chat.
Those handouts look great and I will definitely keep working on them. The PT said to try to do the stretches with every diaper change, which seems extremely overwhelming. If I shoot for maybe 4-5x per day to start, does that seem okay? You seriously are heaven sent and I am so thankful to have your responses!!!
Anyway... My daughter was in PT for about 5 months. Hers was pretty severe. I worked really hard at home making sure I did the exercises that the PT gave me and I made sure that she was turning the other direction. Good news is she never needed a helmet. She also finished PT and has absolutely no problems now. Her head fixed itself. Something that I thought would be a problem for years was taken care of in a matter of months.
Getting your child in PT is the best thing you can do. They are awesome. And don't be afraid to talk to them about how you feel. I had a great relationship with my daughters. They are there for you.
Good luck. : )
You're getting him help, worried about doing the exercises correctly, which means you will and even if he needs a helmet it's super short term event and he won't have lasting health issues from it.
Guilt is tough and pretty much a given in motherhood. But don't let this stress you. PTs and OTs rock and will make sure your LO is back on track in no time!
I wouldn't be too worried about her pushing on her arms. We look a the child's corrected gestational age instead of chronological age. Yes she's chronologically 10 weeks, but when you subtract for prematurity she's only 5 weeks old. At that age she should only be able to lift her head and turn to clear her airway. However, she won't be able to do this on her own yet because of the torticillis. Keep trying with a towel under her chest so she gets some upper body strengthening, but it's not until about 3 months old that you really want to see pushing and propping on forearms.
I hope the other responses have helped to calm your nerves a little! Don't stress, your doing everything you can right now! Your little girl is lucky to have such a wonderful, dedicated, and caring mom.