Sunday, 19 May 2013
Thursday, 9 May 2013
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
For our own reference, we took photographs of his head after the doctors appointment (bottom) and two weeks later before his clinic appointment (top)
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
When is a flat head more than just a bit flat?
About three weeks ago I was due to take bebe J to be weighed at the Health Visitor clinic. On telling my OH what we had planned for the day he casually asked whether I should mention his flat head? At this point I should probably tell you that he had just turned 8 months, and although we were aware of his flat spot, it hadn't been mentioned at any of his routine checks. Bebe J's head has always been at bit oddly shaped (but aren't a lot of babies?). He was also a big boy at 10lb 2oz, but had been born naturally without intervention.
So after having him weighed (still on the 91st percentile!), I turned him around and asked the Health Visitor what she thought. After a massive pause, she said 'oh yes, it is quite pronounced isn't it, have you taken him to the GP?' After telling her I hadn't, she then told me that actually the NHS can't do anything anyway, and had we considered private treatment!? She went on to tell me about a lady who had recently decided to obtain a helmet for her daughter in order to correct her flat head (whose head was apparently in better shape than Bebe J's!). She did kindly ring the lady, who gave her permission to pass on her telephone number so we could talk, but at this point I was in a bit of panic.
As bebe J is my second baby, I felt terrible that I hadn't been more concerned about his head. I just assumed his head would get better as he spent less time on his back. This is still true, to a degree, but some heads will always remain oddly shaped. After doing a bit of research I was also dismayed to see that at 8 months there is very little that you can do to help heads self correct without intervention. If his head had been raised as an issue earlier (between 3-6 months), we could have tried repositioning, a sleepcurve mattress, pillows, etc etc!
That afternoon I rang the doctors, and was offered an appointment the next day (they're always pretty good with babies). I was hoping that a second opinion would clarify whether his head was really as bad as the Health Visitor made out - and also wanted to explore our options. I can honestly say I was expecting the doctor to send us on our way, saying don't be silly, so was quite shocked by her reaction. To quote her, she said 'if it was my child I would helmet him without a shadow of a doubt - he'll have his head for the rest of his life' - yikes!
She confirmed that the NHS did not offer treatment (at least not in our area) and encouraged us to go to a private clinic ASAP. At 8 months, bebe J is nearing the end of the typical correction window, although it can be pursued after a year of age, just with slower results. It's a growth thing. We made an appointment with the London Orthotic Consultancy (LOC) and was given an appointment at their Cambridge clinic (our nearest one) for two weeks time...
So after having him weighed (still on the 91st percentile!), I turned him around and asked the Health Visitor what she thought. After a massive pause, she said 'oh yes, it is quite pronounced isn't it, have you taken him to the GP?' After telling her I hadn't, she then told me that actually the NHS can't do anything anyway, and had we considered private treatment!? She went on to tell me about a lady who had recently decided to obtain a helmet for her daughter in order to correct her flat head (whose head was apparently in better shape than Bebe J's!). She did kindly ring the lady, who gave her permission to pass on her telephone number so we could talk, but at this point I was in a bit of panic.
As bebe J is my second baby, I felt terrible that I hadn't been more concerned about his head. I just assumed his head would get better as he spent less time on his back. This is still true, to a degree, but some heads will always remain oddly shaped. After doing a bit of research I was also dismayed to see that at 8 months there is very little that you can do to help heads self correct without intervention. If his head had been raised as an issue earlier (between 3-6 months), we could have tried repositioning, a sleepcurve mattress, pillows, etc etc!
That afternoon I rang the doctors, and was offered an appointment the next day (they're always pretty good with babies). I was hoping that a second opinion would clarify whether his head was really as bad as the Health Visitor made out - and also wanted to explore our options. I can honestly say I was expecting the doctor to send us on our way, saying don't be silly, so was quite shocked by her reaction. To quote her, she said 'if it was my child I would helmet him without a shadow of a doubt - he'll have his head for the rest of his life' - yikes!
She confirmed that the NHS did not offer treatment (at least not in our area) and encouraged us to go to a private clinic ASAP. At 8 months, bebe J is nearing the end of the typical correction window, although it can be pursued after a year of age, just with slower results. It's a growth thing. We made an appointment with the London Orthotic Consultancy (LOC) and was given an appointment at their Cambridge clinic (our nearest one) for two weeks time...
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Pom-pomtastic!
Over the last week I have mostly been making pom poms. In an attempt to accessorise my delicious Orla Kiely multi-stem bedding (and inspired by pinterest) I have decided to make a pom pom garland.
After attempting to make them the old fashioned way (circles of card anyone?) and realising I'm rubbish, I am (slightly) cheating and using a pom pom maker (you still wrap the yarn, mmkay?). The resulting pom poms are pom pomtastic, and I very much hope to post the finished garland (and maybe a tutorial) here soon.
After attempting to make them the old fashioned way (circles of card anyone?) and realising I'm rubbish, I am (slightly) cheating and using a pom pom maker (you still wrap the yarn, mmkay?). The resulting pom poms are pom pomtastic, and I very much hope to post the finished garland (and maybe a tutorial) here soon.
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
We're having another baby!
So the scan, went well, and if all goes to plan Pickle with have another brother or sister in August 2012 - eek! We're both really excited but also a little bit apprehensive about how we'll cope with a toddler and a newborn. I wasn't exactly a natural with Pickle, but fingers crossed I'll be a bit more comfortable second time around.
Now I've formally announced I'm pregnant I promise to update this blog much more frequently. My first dilemma is whether to buy a double/tandem buggy or just rely on a buggy board. Pickle will be two and a half by the time the baby arrives so hopefully he should be walking pretty much all of the time.
Decisions, decisions - but I suppose this is just the beginning :)
Speak soon, A x
Now I've formally announced I'm pregnant I promise to update this blog much more frequently. My first dilemma is whether to buy a double/tandem buggy or just rely on a buggy board. Pickle will be two and a half by the time the baby arrives so hopefully he should be walking pretty much all of the time.
Decisions, decisions - but I suppose this is just the beginning :)
Speak soon, A x
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Sorry!
I'm not really sure why I haven't posted a blog in ages. To be honest, I'm not sure where the last year has gone at all?
Already in 2012 Pickle has had a nasty dose of chicken pox, his second birthday and on Wednesday we've got our first scan for what will hopefully be his little brother or sister. Having had a missed miscarriage before Pickle (only finding out at the scan), we're definitely more than a little nervous. Even though my practical head is saying the chances are that everything will be fine, I'm still finding it quite difficult to relax and enjoy the pregnancy.
I am trying to be positive, and have decided that a rejuvenated blog will be the ideal place to share my thoughts and feelings this time around.
Will update you on Wednesday x
Already in 2012 Pickle has had a nasty dose of chicken pox, his second birthday and on Wednesday we've got our first scan for what will hopefully be his little brother or sister. Having had a missed miscarriage before Pickle (only finding out at the scan), we're definitely more than a little nervous. Even though my practical head is saying the chances are that everything will be fine, I'm still finding it quite difficult to relax and enjoy the pregnancy.
I am trying to be positive, and have decided that a rejuvenated blog will be the ideal place to share my thoughts and feelings this time around.
Will update you on Wednesday x
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Thursday, 10 March 2011
and all things nice
With Mothers Day just around the corner, I thought it would be rude if I didn't give Pickle's daddy a few hints on what he might like to get me - teehee!
Anyways, after much time spent on google I finally found my perfect present. Lisa Leonard is a jewellery designer in America (and a mummy blogger). Lisa's jewellery is just beautiful and I love that the majority of her items are hand-stamped, which make them such great gifts.
After lots of umming and ahhhing, I finally decided on the treasure necklace, as if Pickle ever gets a brother or sister it will be simple to update with another charm.
Shipping is a wee bit pricey, but I wasn't able to find anything remotely as adorable as Lisa's designs in the UK. Just hoping that my necklace arrives in time now :)
Anyways, after much time spent on google I finally found my perfect present. Lisa Leonard is a jewellery designer in America (and a mummy blogger). Lisa's jewellery is just beautiful and I love that the majority of her items are hand-stamped, which make them such great gifts.
After lots of umming and ahhhing, I finally decided on the treasure necklace, as if Pickle ever gets a brother or sister it will be simple to update with another charm.
Shipping is a wee bit pricey, but I wasn't able to find anything remotely as adorable as Lisa's designs in the UK. Just hoping that my necklace arrives in time now :)
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Shrove Tuesday
I love pancakes, I've always loved pancakes, and if truth be told, I don't just have them once a year either :)
I'm not sure you can really beat a steaming hot pancake with lemon and sugar, unless its a steaming hot pancake with maple syrup instead - decisions, decisions!
I was super-excited about Pickle's first pancake day although he doesn't seem to inherited his mama's love of pancakes (yet!)
I'm not sure you can really beat a steaming hot pancake with lemon and sugar, unless its a steaming hot pancake with maple syrup instead - decisions, decisions!
I was super-excited about Pickle's first pancake day although he doesn't seem to inherited his mama's love of pancakes (yet!)
Pickle's first pancake day
and how do you eat yours?
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Saturday, 19 February 2011
Mini-me!
My mum keeps telling me I had an uncanny resemblance to the Pickle as a baby, so I thought I would do some digging!
A quick flick through the photo albums and et voila! It actually is pretty uncanny, despite the obvs boy/girl difference (and check out the funky brown sofa - sorry mum!)
A quick flick through the photo albums and et voila! It actually is pretty uncanny, despite the obvs boy/girl difference (and check out the funky brown sofa - sorry mum!)
Me at seven months, circa 1980 - have you ever seen such concentratation trying to get into a tube of smarties?
Pickle at seven months about to chase after the cat!.
I actually think I was a chubbier baby than Pickle, but hey I was obviously as fond of chocolate back then as I am now!
Friday, 18 February 2011
A day at the Farm
I love animals, the outdoors and generally anything to do with the country. Hence, last weekend prompted by a visit from my sister, we decided to pack up and take Pickle to Church Farm.
Church Farm is fab!!! You could easily spend a whole day here, and I can totally see why families buy season tickets for the place. In additional to the cursory animals there's a indoor soft play area, outdoor play area, trampolines, ride alongs and my personal favourite the straw barn! Basically a barn full of straw that you can let your toddlers run wild in!
I thought it would be rude not to try it myself! Anyway, much fun was had by all and I have a sneaky feeling we might be making a few return visits in the not so distant future.
Church Farm is fab!!! You could easily spend a whole day here, and I can totally see why families buy season tickets for the place. In additional to the cursory animals there's a indoor soft play area, outdoor play area, trampolines, ride alongs and my personal favourite the straw barn! Basically a barn full of straw that you can let your toddlers run wild in!
I thought it would be rude not to try it myself! Anyway, much fun was had by all and I have a sneaky feeling we might be making a few return visits in the not so distant future.
Not quite a Ronaldo in the making, but you never know!
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Saturday, 29 January 2011
and all things nice...
Having recently discovered etsy and folsky - I know, where have I been right? I thought I would start a weekly post sharing my favourite finds. So here goes, and the winners for this week are...
Favourite store:
Now I might be a teeny bit biased here, as I recently won a giveaway from this fab designer, however I have fallen in love with Gillian Kyle's retro designs. The teacake wrapper is my personal favourite, and with items for adults, children, and babies you're sure to find something to fall in love with too.
Favourite find
I have a window above our downstairs cloakroom door, slightly odd I know, but I've been looking for something pretty to hang in it for ages. I literally stumbled across What. No mints? on etsy and found the Pleasure Molecule Heart Felt. A gorgeous item of sheer gorgeousness - and ships to the UK too :)
Happy shopping :)
Favourite store:
Now I might be a teeny bit biased here, as I recently won a giveaway from this fab designer, however I have fallen in love with Gillian Kyle's retro designs. The teacake wrapper is my personal favourite, and with items for adults, children, and babies you're sure to find something to fall in love with too.
Favourite find
I have a window above our downstairs cloakroom door, slightly odd I know, but I've been looking for something pretty to hang in it for ages. I literally stumbled across What. No mints? on etsy and found the Pleasure Molecule Heart Felt. A gorgeous item of sheer gorgeousness - and ships to the UK too :)
Happy shopping :)
Friday, 28 January 2011
Guilty mama
After three months of being back at work I've been asked to consider upping my hours (already!). Whilst the extra money is undeniably needed, I swore that I didn't want Pickle spending more time at nursery than at home with his mummy and daddy.
Increasing my hours would mean going from three to four days a week, although I would be able to keep Friday as my non-working day (thank goodness for long weekends!). I knew that being a working mum would be difficult, but I totally wasn't prepared for the feelings of guilt.
I'm sure most families could always do with a bit of extra money, I suppose my decision is really how much time away from the pickle I can face. On the plus side, we've got a fabulous nursery which Pickle adores, and I only have to commit to doing it for six months.
I could also be a bit savvy and use up some of my accrued leave to take holiday over the summer, meaning I could effectively carry on working three days, whilst being paid for four. That's not too naughty is it?
Would love to hear from any other mummies or daddies facing similiar decisions.
Increasing my hours would mean going from three to four days a week, although I would be able to keep Friday as my non-working day (thank goodness for long weekends!). I knew that being a working mum would be difficult, but I totally wasn't prepared for the feelings of guilt.
I'm sure most families could always do with a bit of extra money, I suppose my decision is really how much time away from the pickle I can face. On the plus side, we've got a fabulous nursery which Pickle adores, and I only have to commit to doing it for six months.
I could also be a bit savvy and use up some of my accrued leave to take holiday over the summer, meaning I could effectively carry on working three days, whilst being paid for four. That's not too naughty is it?
Would love to hear from any other mummies or daddies facing similiar decisions.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Please don't go!
I've read a bit about separation anxiety but thought, rather smugly I'll admit, that it was something Pickle didn't have an issue with it.
However, in the last few weeks he's been increasingly clingy, and has started crying every time I drop him off at nursery. It's heartbreaking leaving him sobbing, but I've been assured he soon perks up when he gets his breakfast!
While I've been told its probably just a phase its still really upsetting. I can totally see why my friend started taking her LO to the toilet with her - anything to avoid the dreaded sobs!
Would love to hear from anyone else who is going through similiar (pickle has just turned one). Lets weather this together!
However, in the last few weeks he's been increasingly clingy, and has started crying every time I drop him off at nursery. It's heartbreaking leaving him sobbing, but I've been assured he soon perks up when he gets his breakfast!
While I've been told its probably just a phase its still really upsetting. I can totally see why my friend started taking her LO to the toilet with her - anything to avoid the dreaded sobs!
Would love to hear from anyone else who is going through similiar (pickle has just turned one). Lets weather this together!
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Sunday, 9 January 2011
Soft Play Review (Jumppin Jacks - Mildenhall)
Was torn between walking Devil's Dyke today or trying out a new soft play centre, but as you can probably guess from the title, the soft play won. We all had a great time, especially as our soon to be one year old currently gets in free (bonus!). Jumppin Jacks Funhouse is a purpose built unit on an industrial estate in Mildenhall. You can see a lot of thought has been put into the layout and design and on first entering we both remarked how much it looked like 'Fun House'. The under 3's section was small with just a ball pit and some large soft shapes. There didn't seem to be any staff supervising, and consequently lots of older children kept coming it, and a clever-clogs type dad thought it would be fun to empty his daughter out of the ball pit and then not replace the balls - hmmmmmm.
Despite this, the pickle loved exploring the under 3's area and especially enjoyed being carried around the older children's section. He even had a couple of trips down the slide with both mummy and daddy - so wish I had remembered my camera. I'm sure that Pickle will adore coming here when he's older, but I would say that for 1-2 year olds there isn't an awful lot to do, and new walkers would struggle to dodge the older children running around. We did however go at a weekend when its bound to be at is busiest.
For mums and dads, there's a cafe where you could get drinks and lights snacks (jacket spuds, toasted sandwiches, hotdogs) and a large selection of magazines. You can also purchase lunch boxes for children too. Overall a great experience, but I would be reluctant to bring the pickle here again at a weekend until he was a confident walker.
Despite this, the pickle loved exploring the under 3's area and especially enjoyed being carried around the older children's section. He even had a couple of trips down the slide with both mummy and daddy - so wish I had remembered my camera. I'm sure that Pickle will adore coming here when he's older, but I would say that for 1-2 year olds there isn't an awful lot to do, and new walkers would struggle to dodge the older children running around. We did however go at a weekend when its bound to be at is busiest.
For mums and dads, there's a cafe where you could get drinks and lights snacks (jacket spuds, toasted sandwiches, hotdogs) and a large selection of magazines. You can also purchase lunch boxes for children too. Overall a great experience, but I would be reluctant to bring the pickle here again at a weekend until he was a confident walker.
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