DOC Band (Plagiocephaly)

Over the course of time we've notice that Maddox has a preferred head position he likes to sleep on. We didn't think much of it until his 2 month appointment where his pediatrician explained to us that he may have Plagiocephaly. For those of you that don't know Plagiocephaly is when a baby's head develops a flat spot due to pressure on that area. He told us to continue working on tummy time and to practice neck stretches with him to get him moving to his left side more than his right. Like any other parent I was concerned and went home to practice everything the pediatrician had told us. Over the last 2 months up until his 4 month check up we changed the way he sleeps in his crib, the way we carry him for feedings, we practiced longer tummy time sessions, and we made it a priority to not leave him in his car seat for long periods of times. We tried everything in the books but his head shape still remained flat.

During his four month check up they checked his flat spot and recommended we take him to Cranial Technologies where they specialize on Plagiocephaly. I was a little nervous the day of and my stomach was a complete knot. I remember telling Christian on our way there that everything and anything that can happen, happens to us. Of course him being so supportive and positive he told me we wouldn’t be us if we weren’t going against the world. At the moment all I thought was why can’t we go with the flow but looking back he’s right. There’s nothing God can’t take us out of and we headed to the appointment feeling scared but knowing God has control over everything. Once there, the specialist took us to a photo imaging room where they take pictures of his head wearing a cap. One of us had to sit with him while the specialist entertained him and took his pictures. (Totally baby and mommy safe) he didn’t cry and was actually super happy to see different faces. We went back to our waiting room while they loaded the pictures. A few minutes later a doctor came in and explained to us his head shape, how flat it is compared to the normal baby, and where his head shape should be. We went through the process of how important and recommend it is for him to wear a band they call DOC Band. The band is literally made of foam on the inside with a light sturdy band on the outside. You can customize it and make it friendlier looking. Its molded to the child's head and it corrects his/hers flat spot as the child's bone structure thickens.

At the end of the consultation they hand you a packet and explain to you that the decision for the DOC Band is totally up to you and that it’s beneficial for the child to wear it based on his/her severity. Obviously I was sad that Maddox might have to wear a Band that fixes his flat spot for a while but I know in the long run it’s only benefiting him. It’s not a cosmetic issue but more of a developmental issue. Do I want my sons facial features to be asymmetrical because I was selfish enough to not want him to wear a band or do I put my big girl pants and suck it up. His doctor reassured to us that its not our fault as parents and that its very common in babies due to the new sleeping campaign. As a first time mommy all I want is to make the right decisions for my son and as a family we're glad we did. We choose to do the band and to take care of it now that he’s young rather than wait until he’s older.