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This is a great medical research article that supports what we have all known all along, that therapy is an EFFECTIVE treatment for plagiocephaly!

The main conclusion of the article is that if a therapy program is started early, ie 2 months, it will significantly reduce the prevalence of severe deformational plagiocephaly!

If you are interested in the full article it can be found here:

http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(08)00901-3/fulltext

I was at my book club with some of my favorite friends. The topic (among 45 others) of vehicles came up. Several of them commented on how they could NEVER drive a minivan. Oh my gosh, a minivan, gross. How could any self-respecting woman drive one of those? Ew.

Well, they must have forgotten that I drive a minivan. In fact, I LOVE my minivan. Every time I get in it, I get a twinge of delight. Sounds crazy, but it really is true!

I could literally write an essay on why I love my MV, but that might be a little extreme right? Rather, I will summarize the highlights. I can fit anything in that thing. I can carry the husband, 4 kids, dog, camping gear for a week, 3 coolers and still have plenty of space for all the trash that inevitably accompanies any family trip. I can put seats in, take seats out, lay seats down and move them in any direction I want. You want to pick up a trampoline for the kids? No problem. You want to take the kids and their friends to the movies? You betcha. Car pool? Bring it on. Tight parking space? Sure – this thing can turn on a dime!

Gas mileage is good. Amenities are abundant. Practicality at its best! My question is – what is wrong with being practical? Have I lost all my Mojo as a woman if I drive a MV? Heck no. In fact, I think the opposite. I think being practical is the new black! Watch out, here we come. Beep beep! 

MULTIPLES!  MULTIPLES!  MULTIPLES!

The latest statistics are out; twin births have hit an all-time high.  Moms are waiting until they are older to have babies and in-vitro procedures have increased dramatically. So, you know what that means – lots and lots of babies! We love babies so we couldn’t be more excited. It also necessitates sharing another risk factor for plagiocephaly.

Multiples have a greater chance of getting plagiocephaly for several reasons. The first is that these babies are often born prematurely and spend more time in the hospital initially. If they are medically fragile, they are attached to machines and often placed on their back. Repositioning isn’t always on the top of the priority list. The skull is extremely malleable so it can flatten very quickly.

Secondly is just pure lack of space in the womb. They have to share their home with their siblings and sometimes it just isn’t enough! We typically see that the bottom baby will have more issues with torticollis and/or plagiocephaly.

The third reason that multiples are at higher risk is the use of containers. When there is more than one newborn in the house, containers are often used to maintain sanity and organization. These incline surfaces help a great deal but you will need to watch what they are doing to the head. If left in there too long, the baby’s head will start to take the shape of the incline. Not good.

Sooooooo – if you or someone you know is having more than one miracle – take heed. Shout it from the mountain tops. Watch the head!   

I just got introduced to a new product from one of my resourceful moms. This swaddle has pocketed arm spaces (impossible to get out of), a strap at the tummy (good for colic/gas) and smaller on the bottom to keep legs flexed (mimics in uterine position).  This company has a great philosophy - really looking the special needs of babies while they are sleeping.  It comes in several sizes and is fairly priced. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an alternative to the other more common swaddles on the market. Happy sleeping!! 

  www.truewomb.com

You made it – one year!!

 The past year is pretty much a fog, but you made it. You didn’t sleep much, but you made it. You experienced the truest form of love there is and with that comes incredible vulnerability, but you made it. Your marriage took on a whole new life of its own (sometimes not ideal), but you made it. Your body looks and feels totally different, but you made it. Your baby has gone from an unknown creature to a walking human being. You have cried and smiled more than you ever dreamed possible, but you made it. You have realized the true expense of diapers, formula, doctor visits and toys, but you made it. You accept that your life will never be the same again. This can be unsettling, but you made it.

So cheers to all of you who are celebrating your child’s very first birthday. It is a big day for baby but I believe it is even bigger for Mom and Dad. From here on out – it’s a breeze!  

Congratulations. 

Common FAQ about tummy time

When should I start tummy time?

  You should start tummy time the day you get home from the hospital. As long as the baby is awake and being monitored, you can do as much as you want. Try to incorporate it into your normal routine (whatever "routine" means to you at this point). For example: Sleep, eat, diaper, tummy time, nap. This would mean the baby gets a little tummy time several times throughout the day.

How long should the baby be on her tummy?

   We believe it should be a pleasant time, not torture. And guess what? It's totally possible. Be positive and supportive, always saying what fun this is and how strong she is getting (this will help you too!). Early on, you can put the baby on your chest but also do floor time, or a flat surface to get the baby used to it. Once the baby shows discontent – not just a “little” struggle and certainly not screaming - roll her over, don't pick her up. Praise her and tell her how proud you are. Then, here's the kicker, do it again! Roll her onto her tummy and repeat the process. You can do this as many times as she will tolerate. Don't be afraid to push just a little but not cause unnecessary stress on either of you. Each day will be better and better.

What if my baby doesn't like it?

   Remember that this is an essential part of development. It does not hurt, it’s just hard work. Gravity is a strong force ya know! Starting when the baby is newborn will help but if you're past that point, just do a little - a lot. You will need to do it more, not less. Break it up in little increments. Get down there with her. Get a sibling to jump around and be silly. Use a mirror or a really cool musical toy. I have seen iPhones/IPads work really well.

What's the big deal? Why is it so important?

   Oh let me count the ways! Prone positioning (tummy time) helps with strengthening the neck and back muscles. It is critical for rolling and crawling. Tummy time puts pressure on the palm of the hand to form the arches, which in turn, helps with fine motor skills. It prevents Plagiocephaly (flat head) because it takes the pressure off of the back of the head. It encourages motor planning skills. It provides good cognitive stimulation, in that, the baby sees their world from a whole new dimension. It can even help with tummy issues! So really – why WOULDN’T you?? 

Stay tuned for our next blog - tummy time videos!