Learn About Plagiocephaly
Posted: Friday, November 11, 2005
by Teri Stark
How did this happen to my beautiful baby?
We realized that my daughter had a flat head when she was a few months old, and our pediatrician noticed that she had torticollis. We had the torticollis treated, and worked hard at home to correct the flat head on our own. After a recommendation from our pediatrician, we decided to get help. My baby was diagnosed with plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) when she was five months old. Here are some things that I wish I had known, and some things that you might be interested in learning.
1. Positioning in the womb. Sometimes the position in which a baby is laying in the womb can cause plagiocephaly.
2. The "sleep on the back campaign." In 1992 the
3. Torticollis. Torticollis is a condition where the baby prefers to look in one direction over another. The baby will look to that direction, and also sleep with their head facing the favored direction.
Can you prevent plagiocephaly?
1. Lots of tummy time can help prevent plagio. Any chance that you get, place your baby on their tummy. When your child is sleeping, it is recommended that they still sleep on their backs even with plagiocephaly. Off set some of those night time hours with tummy time during the day.
2. Positioning during sleep times. Try to alternate sides that you lay baby on for naps and bedtime. Now this is easier said then done, especially during the night. Just reposition your baby before you go to bed.
3. Take baby out of the infant carrier if possible. I know how tempting it is as a mom to let your baby finish that 2 hour nap in the car seat. If you remove your baby you can control which side you lay him on.
What is helmet therapy?
Your child will begin wearing a helmet band to fix the flat spot. Therapy varies depending on the severity of your baby's flat spot. My daughter wore her helmet for four months. They can get positive results from the helmet up to a year old. When you have your initial visit you will learn about how severe your baby's plagiocephaly is and learn of the recommended treatment plan. Every two weeks you will be advised to get the helmet adjusted. As your baby's head grows they will need to carve the helmet out. Listen to what your caregiver tells you. If they recommend 23 hours a day, have your baby wear the helmet 23 hours a day. Your baby will really appreciate the hour off at bath time. You will get quicker results if you follow the nurse practitioner or doctors orders.
I began searching for books to read to our children. I searched in stores and on the internet. I was unable to find any books to read to them. We read a lot in our house, so I felt lost without a children's book on this subject.
Alison's Helmet is a realistic children's book that explains the process that our baby went through. My hope is that I can help children understand what their baby might be feeling when they get the helmet. The book outlines Alison's feelings, her treatment plan, and her positive growth and development while wearing the helmet. Children of all ages can benefit from Alison's Helmet! Adults will also enjoy reading this fun loving book. To purchase a copy of Alison's Helmet you can access www.alisonshelmet.weebly.com
This Article has been viewed 2,029 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Love the article, where can I get the book?I sell the books individually from my home now. I can get a book mailed to you. Teri StarkHello, This is Tony Galli from Orthotic and Prosthetic Labs. Just wanted to see how Alison was doing? Also I've had new helmet parients ask me about your book, but the e-mails on your cards are wrong. Im afraid that parents will not be able to contact you. If i send them to this site and type in your artical would that be the easyest way?
How can we order the book? In the children's library, we get many requests for books on "growing up" topics such as going to the hospital;death of a grandparent; death of a pet; preventing bullying; etc. This title was requested by a patron, but we have been unable to locate it to purchase. Thank you.You can reach me at 314-458-8496. Thanks, Teri Stark
jamie from erie,pa . How do i get this book i have looked everywhere and no one has it please let me know i really want to get it even if its a used copy Thanx
If you are interested in a book, please reach me at 314-458-8496
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.