Due to the surprising amount of questions and comments we have gotten as a result of Miller's helmet (from e-mail, Facebook messages, comments in public, etc.), I have decided to answer our most asked questions here for those who have been following our little family's story.
Q: Why does Miller wear a helmet?
A: Miller was diagnosed with plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) and torticollis (tightened muscle between neck and shoulder). The torticollis made it difficult for him to turn his head, thus making the flat spot on his head worse. He is going through physical therapy for this.
He had several factors working against him in the flat head department-
*he is a twin (twins often have plagiocephaly due to being crowded in the womb)
*he was in the NICU for a long time and part of the time he could not be moved much because he had a life threatening illness that required him to get a PICC line and keep his arm very still and straight.
*torticollis made it difficult to stretch his neck on one side, which contributed to the misshaping of his head.
Sometimes plagiocephaly can resolve on its own. Declan had a mild case and never needed a helmet. However, Miller's case was pretty severe and we believed that helmet therapy was the best option for him.
Q: Did this happen because you didn't hold him enough or because you just put him in a bouncer all the time?
A: No. The above reasons are why Miller's case is so severe. Miller was held often and carried in a Moby wrap carrier a lot too. We did tummy time and the stretches that the physical therapist recommended for him. I've read that an estimated 47% of babies now have some degree of plagiocephaly. A big factor is that now more babies are sleeping on their backs (to reduce the risk of SIDS) and that is added pressure on the backs of their heads.
Q: Is the helmet therapy just for cosmetic reasons?
A: No. Although we want Miller to have a cute, perfectly rounded head, there are other reasons for him to get the helmet. If this isn't corrected, Miller is at risk for having jaw problems and spinal problems in the future.
Q: What kind of reactions do we get in public?
A: People do stare. A lot. Most people either avoid eye contact with us or they smile at us. So far we have only had one person make a comment about his helmet. We have had two people give us nasty looks and shake their heads at us. I'm not really sure why. It bothered me a lot and I wish now I would have said something to them.
Q: How long will Miller have to wear his cranial band?
A: Right now we don't know exactly how long, although it will likely be anywhere from 2-4 more months. He has been wearing it for a month already and we go back the the orthotist next week to check his progress. We should get a better idea about the frame of time after that appointment.
Q: How is Miller adjusting to his helmet?
A: Very well! Most of the time he doesn't seem to notice it. He sleeps in it and plays well with it on.
Q: Do you avoid sharing and/or taking pictures with his helmet on?
A: Nope :) This helmet is part of Miller's history now and I'm not hesitant to share pictures with him in his helmet. We decorated it so that it is a little more fun and festive though.
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