Re: New to the group and getting a helmet

[Guest guest]

Oh Mindy, all of us here that have banded our babies, have been

EXACTLY where you are right now. I think your feelings and anxiety

is very normal. These babies were given to us as a gift and WE as

parents are SUPPOSE to do what is right/good for them. Most parents

second guess EVERYthing they do for these wonderful gifts. Second

guessing as far as our children are concerned is perfectly ok. You

are doing a wonderful job educating yourself with this process. That

is all we can do as parents.

Remember during the casting, Adam will probably fuss, but the casting

is NOT hurting him. They tend not to like being held still. There

are even some babies here on the board that never even whimpered

during casting. Don't forget a lollipop and the other things that

Heidi mentioned. Good for a few minutes at least. I wish I would

have brought 2 or 3 instead of just 1. lol Between and her

Granny, they sucked the first one down pretty quick.

My daughter never minded her band one bit!! When we put it on

her in the office, she reached up to touch it. I started playing

with her and she never reached for it again, unless I had taken it

off and she would grab at it and try to sit it. AHHHHHH, $3000.00

band and she wanted to sit in it!! Scared me a few times.

You and Adam will do great! Let us know how it goes!!

Dustie

> I'm new to the plagiocephaly group - my son, Adam, was recently

> diagnosed with moderate to severe plagiocephaly and my husband and

I

> just made our final decision to get the helmet. I want to thank

> B for posting her pics of Hannah's casting. Adam's casting

> appointment is Tuesday, the 13th and my stomach is in a knot about

> it. I didn't know much about the process but after seeing Hannah's

> pics and talking to my doctor I think I'm better prepared.

>

> My other concerns are - how long will it take him to get used to

the

> helmet? Days...weeks? If he's fussy, how do I know if it's

because

> the helmet isn't fitted properly? I'm still in the stage where I

> feel really bad about putting him through this but I keep telling

> myself that it's the right thing to do for him.

>

> Thanks for listening!

> Mindy, mom to Adam - 6 and a half months

[Guest guest]

Hi Mindy,

I see you've already gotten some great replies so I won't repeat what

you've already been told! Welcome to the group.

> I'm new to the plagiocephaly group - my son, Adam, was recently

> diagnosed with moderate to severe plagiocephaly and my husband and

I

> just made our final decision to get the helmet. I want to thank

> B for posting her pics of Hannah's casting. Adam's casting

> appointment is Tuesday, the 13th and my stomach is in a knot about

> it. I didn't know much about the process but after seeing Hannah's

> pics and talking to my doctor I think I'm better prepared.

>

> My other concerns are - how long will it take him to get used to

the

> helmet? Days...weeks? If he's fussy, how do I know if it's

because

> the helmet isn't fitted properly? I'm still in the stage where I

> feel really bad about putting him through this but I keep telling

> myself that it's the right thing to do for him.

>

> Thanks for listening!

> Mindy, mom to Adam - 6 and a half months

[Guest guest]

Hi Mindy and welcome!

Have you check out www.plagiocephaly.org/support? You'll find some great

info about plagio there - very helpful.

Most babies adjust to their helmets pretty much right from the start. Those

babies that don't usually only take a day or maybe a week to adjust. The best

way to avoid proper fit issues is to make sure you get your helmet from an

experienced and skilled orthotist. That person will give you tips on what to

look for and a phone number that you can call when questions arise. This

group is also very good for providing that kind of feedback! :-)

So where are you going for your helmet? Perhaps someone in the group has

been to the same clinic you are going to and can offer some personalized

advice!

Keep us posted!

Marci (mom to )

Oklahoma

> I'm new to the plagiocephaly group - my son, Adam, was recently

> diagnosed with moderate to severe plagiocephaly and my husband and I

> just made our final decision to get the helmet. I want to thank

> B for posting her pics of Hannah's casting. Adam's casting

> appointment is Tuesday, the 13th and my stomach is in a knot about

> it. I didn't know much about the process but after seeing Hannah's

> pics and talking to my doctor I think I'm better prepared.

>

> My other concerns are - how long will it take him to get used to the

> helmet? Days...weeks? If he's fussy, how do I know if it's because

> the helmet isn't fitted properly? I'm still in the stage where I

> feel really bad about putting him through this but I keep telling

> myself that it's the right thing to do for him.

>

> Thanks for listening!

> Mindy, mom to Adam - 6 and a half months

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the welcome and good advice Marci!

I'm going to the orthotist Harry Lawall at the Penn State, Milton S.

Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. I would love to

hear from anyone else who has gone here

Mindy, Adam's mom - 6 and a half months

--- In Plagiocephaly , " Marci Corey " <marcisch@a...>

wrote:

> Hi Mindy and welcome!

>

> Have you check out www.plagiocephaly.org/support? You'll find some

great

> info about plagio there - very helpful.

>

> Most babies adjust to their helmets pretty much right from the

start. Those

> babies that don't usually only take a day or maybe a week to

adjust. The best

> way to avoid proper fit issues is to make sure you get your helmet

from an

> experienced and skilled orthotist. That person will give you tips

on what to

> look for and a phone number that you can call when questions arise.

This

> group is also very good for providing that kind of feedback! :-)

>

> So where are you going for your helmet? Perhaps someone in the

group has

> been to the same clinic you are going to and can offer some

personalized

> advice!

>

> Keep us posted!

>

> Marci (mom to )

> Oklahoma

>

> --- In Plagiocephaly , " mashcro " <mashcro@y...>

wrote:

> > I'm new to the plagiocephaly group - my son, Adam, was recently

> > diagnosed with moderate to severe plagiocephaly and my husband

and I

> > just made our final decision to get the helmet. I want to thank

> > B for posting her pics of Hannah's casting. Adam's casting

> > appointment is Tuesday, the 13th and my stomach is in a knot

about

> > it. I didn't know much about the process but after seeing

Hannah's

> > pics and talking to my doctor I think I'm better prepared.

> >

> > My other concerns are - how long will it take him to get used to

the

> > helmet? Days...weeks? If he's fussy, how do I know if it's

because

> > the helmet isn't fitted properly? I'm still in the stage where I

> > feel really bad about putting him through this but I keep telling

> > myself that it's the right thing to do for him.

> >

> > Thanks for listening!

> > Mindy, mom to Adam - 6 and a half months

[Guest guest]

Hi Mindy

I am not sure what you will expect from the casting, ours is on the

13th too!!! Our son is almost a year though, I am sure he is going

to be really squirmy. From all I have read it can be tough, but the

kids are not being hurt, they are just crying from being restrained.

Good luck

, mom to Ethan

Vancouver BC

> I'm new to the plagiocephaly group - my son, Adam, was recently

> diagnosed with moderate to severe plagiocephaly and my husband and

I

> just made our final decision to get the helmet. I want to thank

> B for posting her pics of Hannah's casting. Adam's casting

> appointment is Tuesday, the 13th and my stomach is in a knot about

> it. I didn't know much about the process but after seeing

Hannah's

> pics and talking to my doctor I think I'm better prepared.

>

> My other concerns are - how long will it take him to get used to

the

> helmet? Days...weeks? If he's fussy, how do I know if it's

because

> the helmet isn't fitted properly? I'm still in the stage where I

> feel really bad about putting him through this but I keep telling

> myself that it's the right thing to do for him.

>

> Thanks for listening!

> Mindy, mom to Adam - 6 and a half months

[Guest guest]

Hi Mindy,

I'm so glad the pictures were a help to you. Hannah did scream

thoughout the entire process, but in all it wasn't too bad. I think

that it really helped that I knew what to expect (thanks to everyone

on this board) and I completely expected her to scream through the

entire process. Hannah is 4 mos and has severe plagio. She will be

getting her DOCband on Monday. Where will you be going? I tried the

pacifier first, but she spit it into the plater almost immediately

and I couldn't wash it off b/c I was helping hold her down with one

hand. I did bring a lollipop and though it didn't keep her quiet,

it did give us a few (precious!) moments of silence. When she

stopped screaming long enough to bring her lips together she'd taste

it and suck on it for a few seconds anyway! Also, I'd say to bring

a camera! You may not feel like taking pics while you're there, but

you'll be glad you have them. Sorry I can't answer your helmet ?'s,

but I see many people already have for you. I know exactly how you

feel about feeling bad about it, but you'd feel worse if Adam still

had a crooked head when he was older and you didn't fix it but knew

you could have. Good Luck!!

, mom to Hannah

Cape Cod, Ma

> I'm new to the plagiocephaly group - my son, Adam, was recently

> diagnosed with moderate to severe plagiocephaly and my husband and

I

> just made our final decision to get the helmet. I want to thank

> B for posting her pics of Hannah's casting. Adam's casting

> appointment is Tuesday, the 13th and my stomach is in a knot about

> it. I didn't know much about the process but after seeing

Hannah's

> pics and talking to my doctor I think I'm better prepared.

>

> My other concerns are - how long will it take him to get used to

the

> helmet? Days...weeks? If he's fussy, how do I know if it's

because

> the helmet isn't fitted properly? I'm still in the stage where I

> feel really bad about putting him through this but I keep telling

> myself that it's the right thing to do for him.

>

> Thanks for listening!

> Mindy, mom to Adam - 6 and a half months

[Guest guest]

Mindy -

We just went through casting and are in week two of his DOCband.

Our son, , is 6 1/2 months old also. He did so great and

really hasn't minded the band at all. He was much more bothered by

his new teeth, which decided to come in the same week!! You are

helping him - not hurting him!!! In regard to casting - it was

tough on - he yelled to entire time - but I knew he wasn't

in pain - just mad. He got over it quickly after and slept great

the rest of the day! Good luck to you and Adam!

Debbie ( C's mom – DOCbanded 4-29-03)

> I'm new to the plagiocephaly group - my son, Adam, was recently

> diagnosed with moderate to severe plagiocephaly and my husband and

I

> just made our final decision to get the helmet. I want to thank

> B for posting her pics of Hannah's casting. Adam's casting

> appointment is Tuesday, the 13th and my stomach is in a knot about

> it. I didn't know much about the process but after seeing

Hannah's

> pics and talking to my doctor I think I'm better prepared.

>

> My other concerns are - how long will it take him to get used to

the

> helmet? Days...weeks? If he's fussy, how do I know if it's

because

> the helmet isn't fitted properly? I'm still in the stage where I

> feel really bad about putting him through this but I keep telling

> myself that it's the right thing to do for him.

>

> Thanks for listening!

> Mindy, mom to Adam - 6 and a half months

[Guest guest]

Hi Mindy!

I'm sure you've already gotten great responses, but I just wanted to

say that, being a new helmet mom, I totally feel for you. I'm just 1

day into it and I already feel great about our decision. As one of

the fabulous moms on here told me, " One day, you'll look back and

wonder why you were so stressed! " I know I'll go through frustrating

periods, but I've at least gotten past the initial scariness of " will

he freak out?? " And we'll deal with each day as it comes... and lean

on each other for support! :>

As much as everyone says that the babies don't mind the helmets,

there's always the nagging thought in the back of your mind, " Yeah,

but what if *my* kid is the one who hates it? " It's much easier to

reassure you from this side of things, but surprisingly enough (hee

hee), they all seem to be right!

Good luck!

~Tara

Mom to

local helmet, 5/6/03

Indiana

> I'm new to the plagiocephaly group - my son, Adam, was recently

> diagnosed with moderate to severe plagiocephaly and my husband and

I

> just made our final decision to get the helmet. I want to thank

> B for posting her pics of Hannah's casting. Adam's casting

> appointment is Tuesday, the 13th and my stomach is in a knot about

> it. I didn't know much about the process but after seeing Hannah's

> pics and talking to my doctor I think I'm better prepared.

>

> My other concerns are - how long will it take him to get used to

the

> helmet? Days...weeks? If he's fussy, how do I know if it's

because

> the helmet isn't fitted properly? I'm still in the stage where I

> feel really bad about putting him through this but I keep telling

> myself that it's the right thing to do for him.

>

> Thanks for listening!

> Mindy, mom to Adam - 6 and a half months

[Guest guest]

Tara,

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I've only been using this

group site for a few days and I've been thrilled with the warmth and

understanding from everyone. I've learned so much from reading the

postings and looking at the pictures. This site is fantastic as a

resource and for support.

Thanks everyone! I'm hooked!

Mindy, Adam's mom - 6 and a half months

--- In Plagiocephaly , " Tara Teeple " <tspork13@y...>

wrote:

> Hi Mindy!

>

> I'm sure you've already gotten great responses, but I just wanted

to

> say that, being a new helmet mom, I totally feel for you. I'm just

1

> day into it and I already feel great about our decision. As one of

> the fabulous moms on here told me, " One day, you'll look back and

> wonder why you were so stressed! " I know I'll go through

frustrating

> periods, but I've at least gotten past the initial scariness

of " will

> he freak out?? " And we'll deal with each day as it comes... and

lean

> on each other for support! :>

>

> As much as everyone says that the babies don't mind the helmets,

> there's always the nagging thought in the back of your mind, " Yeah,

> but what if *my* kid is the one who hates it? " It's much easier to

> reassure you from this side of things, but surprisingly enough (hee

> hee), they all seem to be right!

>

> Good luck!

>

> ~Tara

> Mom to

> local helmet, 5/6/03

> Indiana

>

>

> --- In Plagiocephaly , " mashcro " <mashcro@y...>

wrote:

> > I'm new to the plagiocephaly group - my son, Adam, was recently

> > diagnosed with moderate to severe plagiocephaly and my husband

and

> I

> > just made our final decision to get the helmet. I want to thank

> > B for posting her pics of Hannah's casting. Adam's casting

> > appointment is Tuesday, the 13th and my stomach is in a knot

about

> > it. I didn't know much about the process but after seeing

Hannah's

> > pics and talking to my doctor I think I'm better prepared.

> >

> > My other concerns are - how long will it take him to get used to

> the

> > helmet? Days...weeks? If he's fussy, how do I know if it's

> because

> > the helmet isn't fitted properly? I'm still in the stage where I

> > feel really bad about putting him through this but I keep telling

> > myself that it's the right thing to do for him.

> >

> > Thanks for listening!

> > Mindy, mom to Adam - 6 and a half months

[Guest guest]

Mindy,

Niki, one of our group moderators, saw Bud Lawall for her twins' STARbands.

She thinks very highly of their company and was very satisfied with the

service and results her twins received.

If she doesn't email you sometime today I'll email her offlist and ask her to

take

a look at your posts.

Marci (mom to )

Oklahoma

> > > I'm new to the plagiocephaly group - my son, Adam, was recently

> > > diagnosed with moderate to severe plagiocephaly and my husband

> and I

> > > just made our final decision to get the helmet. I want to thank

> > > B for posting her pics of Hannah's casting. Adam's casting

> > > appointment is Tuesday, the 13th and my stomach is in a knot

> about

> > > it. I didn't know much about the process but after seeing

> Hannah's

> > > pics and talking to my doctor I think I'm better prepared.

> > >

> > > My other concerns are - how long will it take him to get used to

> the

> > > helmet? Days...weeks? If he's fussy, how do I know if it's

> because

> > > the helmet isn't fitted properly? I'm still in the stage where I

> > > feel really bad about putting him through this but I keep telling

> > > myself that it's the right thing to do for him.

> > >

> > > Thanks for listening!

> > > Mindy, mom to Adam - 6 and a half months

[Guest guest]

Mindy said...

> Thanks everyone! I'm hooked!

> Mindy, Adam's mom - 6 and a half months

Yeah, no kidding. Me too. I'm hoping that after a couple weeks, I

will better manage my time and won't feel the need to read every

single message posted... Otherwise I'll never get any sleep! (I

suppose I could also save time by not responding with irrelevent

posts like this, huh?)

~Tara

Mom to

local helmet - 5/6/03

Indiana