Early Intervention

When Holly was 3 months old, I knew something was off. She hated tummy time more than any baby I’ve ever seen. Now I know what you are going to say... “Babies hate tummy time.” I know, I know... but this was extreme. She would scream and cry upon even being placed on the mat... enough so that she would puke. She also wasn’t lifting her head up AT ALL. She would lay there face down screaming bloody murder. She also had a weird little tilt to her head. Naturally, I googled it. Moms, it’s totally cool to google things... but def call a doctor... because your baby most likely doesn’t have a serious but rare disorder of the neck and muscles that requires surgery or is an underlying symptom for a serious disease. w

We immediately booked appointments with specialists and had to wait almost a month for an appointment. My suspicions of torticollis were confirmed and I was happy that it wasn’t anything worse. What I didn’t expect was for the doctor to tell me they recommend a helmet. I literally spit out my Dunkin’ Donuts coffee... wait what?!?! I knew her head was a little flat..But it would fix itself... right? The doctor said, “It’s not the best case I’ve seen and it’s not the worst... we also don’t push them as hard for girls.. but it’s a recommendation and you can do it if you choose.” I left that appointment a total wreck. I was going to do everything I’m my power to avoid the helmet and fix her torticollis. 

We immediately started physical therapy, made every effort to keep her off her little flat head, and she even sleeps on her tummy (ALWAYS SUPERVISED). I made it a point to keep her off her head so much so that I have given up sleep so that she can sleep on her tummy and I can watch her and it’s been brutal. Every night from 8pm-about 12am/1am she sleeps on her tummy and I just sit there watching mindless tv, online shopping, scrolling thru social media, and trying to stay away from the snack cabinet. She also has all naps on her tummy.

We have been going to physical therapy once a week for a little over a month now and I’ve seen huge progress in her movement. She lifts her head so much better than before. Some days you can barely see the torticollis and then some days it’s like we have done nothing to remedy the situation. It’s really easy to feel totally defeated. Same goes with her flat head. Some days I think it looks so much better and I feel like all the sleepless nights are so worth it... but then someone tells you the opposite and it’s just like being punched in the gut. 

Today we had a team from early intervention come to our house to evaluate her to see if she qualifies for at home therapy. The entire time I had an antsy jealous 21 month old sitting on my lap demanding all my attention making this evaluation so stressful for me. Brynne literally sat on me the entire time. She wouldn’t let me put her down. Sure enough, Holly qualifies. The funny thing is... I don’t know how to feel about her qualifying. Part of me is happy that they will come to our house and give her the help she needs... much easier for me. The other part of me is sad that her delays are enough for her to qualify. The team Also recommended that she spend majority of her time on her tummy,  that she be held anytime she is not on her tummy, and if she is going to sleep on her tummy, it needs to be done on the floor... you tell that to my 21 month old! And then they said it... she could benefit from  a helmet. I immediately broke down. I spent a good portion of my morning in tears. No one ever wants to hear there is something wrong with theirbaby, serious or not. Her torticollis has greatly improved and I am confident that it will be ok. I’m still crushed about the helmet and some of it is for selfish reasons. It has to be worn 23 hours a day, washed and sanitized daily, and it can’t get wet... oh and right in time for summer!  

At this point we have pretty much  succumbed to the pressure of getting the helmet. It’s not 100%, but we are about 95% convinced it’s the way to go. Stay tuned! I will post pictures of head On my Instagram when I have a chance. @a_phemomenal_life 

Thanks for reading.