Correcting our Daughters flat head WITHOUT a helmet (Doc-band) Infant Torticollis

Summary

In this video, Kaitlyn, a mother of an 8-month-old, shares her personal journey addressing her daughter Sloan's flathead issue without opting for a Doc Band helmet. After extensive research and consultations, she chose chiropractic care to treat the underlying cause, torticollis, instead of focusing solely on cosmetic solutions. Over time, Sloan's head shape improved significantly through regular chiropractic adjustments. Kaitlyn emphasizes the importance of researching alternatives and being an advocate for your child while respecting individual decisions in similar situations.

Takeaways

• 👋 Kaitlyn introduces herself as a mother documenting her daily life and experiences, and mentions her daughter's flathead issue.
• 👶 At Sloan's three-month check-up, a doctor identified a flat spot on her head, which Kaitlyn had already noticed but was hopeful it would self-correct.
• 🛏️ Kaitlyn received instructions to minimize Sloan's time lying on her back, leading to a month of intense tummy time and activities to prevent further flattening.
• 👩‍⚕️ At Sloan's four-month appointment, another doctor suggested using a Doc Band to correct the flat head, which left Kaitlyn feeling like she had failed.
• 💻 Kaitlyn researched extensively and explored alternatives to the Doc Band, eventually considering chiropractic care after learning about infant torticollis.
• 👨‍⚕️ Sloan was diagnosed with torticollis, a condition causing neck muscle tightness, and began chiropractic treatments to address the underlying issue rather than just the cosmetic flat head.
• 📈 Over three months of chiropractic adjustments, Sloan showed significant improvement in both her neck mobility and the shape of her head.
• 💡 Kaitlyn highlights that addressing the root cause (torticollis) was more important than focusing solely on the cosmetic flat head with a helmet.
• 💰 Cost was another factor in choosing chiropractic care, as Doc Bands are often not covered by insurance, and children can outgrow them before they are fully effective.
• 📢 Kaitlyn emphasizes the importance of parents doing their own research, advocating for their child, and considering all options before making medical decisions.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Kaitlyn's video?

The main topic of Kaitlyn's video is her experience and journey with resolving her child Sloan's flathead issue through chiropractic care instead of using a doc band or helmet.

How does Kaitlyn feel about parents who choose to use a doc band for their children?

Kaitlyn does not shame or criticize parents who choose to use a doc band. She believes that every parent should make decisions based on their research, experience, or beliefs, and do what they feel is best for their child.

What was the initial doctor's recommendation for Sloan's flathead issue?

The initial doctor's recommendation was for Sloan to be sized for a doc band and to be seen by a head specialist.

What was Kaitlyn's reaction to the doctor's suggestion to use a doc band?

Kaitlyn felt shocked, in disbelief, and like she had failed her child. She had tried hard to keep Sloan off her back and was disappointed that there wasn't as much progress as she had hoped.

What did Kaitlyn research about doc bands before making a decision?

Kaitlyn researched the cost, the fact that it's not a quick fix as children can outgrow the doc band before it's effective, and that it only addresses cosmetic issues without treating the underlying cause.

What alternative did Kaitlyn find to treat Sloan's flathead issue?

Kaitlyn found an alternative in chiropractic care, specifically addressing the issue of infant torticollis, which is an underlying cause of flathead syndrome.

What is torticollis and how was it related to Sloan's condition?

Torticollis is a condition where there is muscle strain causing a stiff neck. In infants, it can lead to a preference for turning their head to one side, which can result in a flat spot on the back of the head from not turning to the other side. This was the underlying issue related to Sloan's flathead.

How was the chiropractor able to diagnose torticollis in Sloan?

The chiropractor used thermal imaging to diagnose torticollis. The imaging showed a lot of tension on the right side of Sloan's neck, which was the side she was favoring and not turning to.

What was the treatment plan for Sloan's torticollis?

The treatment plan involved chiropractic adjustments. Sloan was adjusted three times a week for four weeks, then two times a week for a few weeks, and finally once a week. This was done over a period of about three and a half to four months.

What was the outcome of the chiropractic treatment for Sloan?

The outcome was positive. Sloan became torticollis-free, her range of motion improved, she showed no signs of the previous tension, and her head shape became almost perfectly round.

What is Kaitlyn's final advice to parents in similar situations?

Kaitlyn advises parents to do their research, be their child's advocate, consider alternatives, and address the underlying issue rather than just the cosmetic appearance.