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Children's health

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Original poster

Almost having a break down... 5 month old SO unsettled...

6 replies

LadyLotty · 19/12/2011 23:45

My little girl has flat head syndrome and after much debate we got her a helmet to correct her head shape. It's been 6 days now, she absolutely hates the helmet. Screams the house down and cannot leave my arm... I have a toddler too who feels v neglected and sad. My husband is of little help (nor offer sympathy) I have no other help around.. She also has hip dysplasia so is bandaged in a harness. The poor thing is struggling so much, and I'm on the edge of a breakdown.

Now she doesn't sleep at all crying all night always waking up (every hour!) I'm absolutely exhausted, fed up, flat, suicidal!!

Anyone experienced this type of resistence with their babies wearing/getting used to wearing a helmet?

OP posts:

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ForeverChangesNothing · 20/12/2011 00:25

No experience of those helmets I'm afraid but don't want to leave you unanswered.

I've done baby with a young toddler though and my tips would be take each day as it comes. Think of the days in small chunks, only think about getting through til lunch or snack time or whatever. Once you have managed that, look ahead to the next chunk of day. The days seemed more manageable for me that way.
Being faced with a screaming baby and a screaming toddler and seeing the whole day stretch in front of me was always quite daunting.

ForeverChangesNothing · 20/12/2011 00:28

Sorry, hit post before I was finished!

Can you do anything to help the baby settle? Would co sleeping help or is that impossible with the harness?

Could you do a day trip out with baby in the buggy as a treat for older one? I know that car seats/buggies can be tricky with the hip harnesses one but know a few who have managed it.

Could the older one have a special trip out with daddy as some special time just for her? Or maybe he have the baby so you can take her out for some much needed mummy time?

ForeverChangesNothing · 20/12/2011 00:30

Most importantly, if you feel you are really losing it and on the edge, get to the GP pronto!

Janni · 20/12/2011 00:35

I would second asking GP/HV for urgent support/back up. There might be a befriending service in your area (eg Homestart) or a respite care service. This definitely sounds too much for one stressed out mum to deal with. What about the hospital where your baby was treated? Is there a link worker to offer support? It sounds tremendously difficult.

Apricots · 20/12/2011 00:37

Do you really need the helmet if that seems to be what has unsettled her?
My little girl has a flat head, doctor has told me that the helmets are basically useless and pointless and her head is not an issue other than a cosmetic one which will be covered by hair anyway.
I bought a pillow from amazon which we use in her cot (can't link as on phone) and that has definitely improved the flatness

dreamingbohemian · 20/12/2011 00:50

What on earth is wrong with your husband? Why isn't he helping???

Don't wait until it's too late to ask for help -- do you have family or friends who woudl be willing to come stay for a bit and help? You cannot go on like this. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

I think if you don't absolutely need the helmet, maybe let it go.
My DS had a pretty serious flat head at 5 months but it diminished a great deal by the time he was 1 and now with his hair it's not noticeable at all.

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