Flat-headed baby: update

[ManchesterMummy]

Hello

Some may remember that I posted a couple of weeks ago about my flat-headed DD.

Well, today I took her to a paediatrician, who, rather than reassured me, has got me even more worried! First of all, she decided DD had been referred "because of her big head". Fussed over the head circumfrence charts, measured my head, asked me of Dh had a big head and "we need to measure him asap". Said there might be fluid or something.

So then she tested various things and was really surprised that DD could indeed sit with help, lift her head from the floor etc. I was a bit at this point.

As some people said when I posted, as she gets more mobile the situation may improve, and since I went to my GP, DD has been flinging herself around her cot at night and to me her head is looking more curved.

Now, what's bothering me is the idea that there is something really wrong with DD, and also that noone sees fit to measure her length. She looks totally in proportion to me and seems long: so when the paed is going on about her head not being in proportion to weight I really don't know what to make of it!!! I couldn't make it to baby clinic this week but I'm going to insist that they measure her.

Anyway, she now has to have an ultrasound to see what's going on. They wanted me to go back later today - we're not exactly near the hospital and I didn't want to subject DD to a whole day in that sauna so we've got to go back for that.

I feel upset now - I mean, what can they possibly do if she does have a "big head" eh? A head reduction?!!!! I have to go back in 6 weeks and am considering asking to see another doctor, one who will not make out that there is something very wrong with my precious DD! The doctor said her head will never look right, but never mind her hair will cover it. No mention of severity of problem etc. I'm normally quite well-mannered but I seriously was thinking wtf at this point.

Sorry for the ramble. I know she was only doing her job and it's always better to be safe than sorry but surely a little empathy goes a long way!

Have replied.

Really hope it helps.

Just emailed you again.

Replied too

Have sent you the pic.

Just replied again Nab. Thanks

Replied

Just wanted to give a further update.

I spoke to my hv - who is actually very helpful - as well as another one at baby clinic and they were not impressed with what the paed has said. The paed had just taken the head circumfrence measurement in abstract, rather than in comparison to the rest of her measurements, which would have shown her that dd's head is only very marginally bigger than it should be: dd is a big girl in general!!

I'm still awaiting an appointment for a scan and will let them do all the investigations they want. Meantime, dd is sleeping in all sorts of different positions and I really think her head is looking less flat. Looking down from the top of her head, there would not appear to be any assymetry: hv has confirmed this. While at baby clinic, dd was very aptly demonstrating all the things she can do and everyone seems to be of the opinion that her development is fine. I know some hvs appear to not know one end of a baby from another, but ours are very good and, I think, see more babies than that paed (who I have also found out is renowned for saying stupid things and really worrying parents).

I'll keep you updated - thanks so much for all the support on this so far. I've gone from feeling quite despairing to feeling positive about things.

Glad you are feeling more positive. Keep repositioning and encouraging different sleep positions. Repo can work wonders. My tip would be to take some photo's of you dd's head from all angles and then in 4 weeks take some more and compare them. You'll be able to get a much better idea of any positive changes.

Very amusing thread title!!!!!