When is a flat head more than just a bit flat? Part II

So, we had our appointment at the London Orthotic Consultancy (Cambridge) on 26th April. In the two weeks before the appointment I was obsessed with not putting bebe J down on his back (other than for bed time) and spent most of the time carrying him around in a sling (not easy with a 22 pounder!). We also totally rearranged his cot to encourage him to sleep off his flat side.

For our own reference, we took photographs of his head after the doctors appointment (bottom) and two weeks later before his clinic appointment (top)

As you can see from the pictures it is the plagiocephaly (wonkyness on one side) that is most noticeable (especially in the bath shot) although he does have brachycephaly too.

Interestingly, after speaking to pretty much all of our friends and family about the possible treatment, they ALL said they would go ahead with it, and a few even told us that they had noticed his head wasn't quite right, but hadn't wanted to say anything (including both of our mums!)

On the day of the clinic, we left Pickle with my mum and headed off to Cambridge. The appointment started with measurements being taken to record the true extent of his flatness. His shoulders were also checked to ensure he had proper movement (sometimes an explanation as to why a baby may prefer to lie on a particular side of their head).

It turned out that bebe J measured 94% for brachycephaly and had 13mm asymmetry (plagiocephaly) - which was classed as severe in both categories. We had already decided prior to the appointment that if he measured 'moderate' we would leave it to nature, but would proceed with the helmet treatment if he measured 'severe'. So, essentially the decision had been made! We were also told that despite being eight months, he may only have to wear the helmet for 3-6 months, as bigger babies tend to respond more quickly. After this time, it is hoped that we will be in the normal range for both categories, and our journey with flat head syndrome (fingers crossed) will be over.

After agreeing to proceed, and paying the £1950 for treatment (we were lucky enough to be loaned the money by grandparents), scans were taken of bebe J's head, and his custom built helmet will be ready for fitting - tomorrow! As you can see, he totally rocked the pink bumbo and balaclava look :)

It has been a really difficult few weeks leading up to our decision to proceed with treatment, not withstanding the cost, and I'm sure some people will totally disagree with our choice. However, we personally felt that we should give the treatment a go, and 3-6 months is such a short period of time in the grand scheme of things.

Wish us luck x