2.12.11
Elaina has officially been diagnosed with plagiocephaly.
We visited the specialist on Monday (7th) who assessed her head and told us that he thought we'd greatly benefit by putting Elaina in a helmet. Her case is pretty mild, and for that we're grateful. Some babies experience asymmetry - meaning one side of their forehead protrudes and the other doesn't, one ear is further forward than the other. He also told us that Elaina doesn't suffer from torticollis, which is tightening of the muscles that limits head movement. Actually, Elaina has excellent head movement. Elaina's flat spot is flat in the best way possible. Equally and straight across the back of her head. So, we return to the specialist this Monday for her scan which will make exact precise measurements of her head so that her "crown" can be custom built.
I've decided to track this "adventure" b/c if you're anything like me, you know NOTHING about this. Everyone wonders the same thing...can it be prevented? I think this has been the thing I've had the hardest time with. I fear that people are going to point a finger at me and say it's MY fault this has happened. Let me assure you, Elaina had tummy time from very early on and STILL has it. She slept, and still sleeps, on her back because that is what pediatricians tell you to do. So, if placing her on her back to sleep is what caused this, then yes, I'm to blame. But I'd much rather have her suffer from this than something a million times worse happen because she was placed on her stomach to sleep way too early. From everything I've read, plagiocephaly can also begin in the womb. I'm not bragging or anything, but I really didn't get very big with Elaina. When the doctor asked me how big my stomach got and I basically told him I gained less than 10lbs while pregnant, he said that her condition could've stemmed from not having alot of room. Also, he said the fact that I pushed for two hours and Elaina's head was stuck in the birth canal all that time could have some impact on it. So, is it my fault? Who knows. Honestly, if people blame me, that's fine. My childs health and well-being is THE most important thing in my life. The. End.
I plan to post updates on this page, and may eventually start a new blog. Stay tuned b/c my baby girl is going to ROCK this crown! :)
