First of all – I do apologise for any grammar mistakes, as English is my second language.
Dear mums, I know exactly how you feel. My son is now 2.5 years old. He developed plagiocephaly as a baby.
To be honest with you – I didn’t notice it… Until one day someone asked why his head was asymmetrical. I was dealing with a lot back then.
Helmets aren't very common where I live (I’ve never seen a child wearing one in all the years I’ve lived here), and they’re almost unheard of in Poland, where I come from.
I was told it was only cosmetic and that it would “round out.” Well, it never has.
I’ve gone through phases where everything felt fine, and then suddenly I would fall into depression because of it.
What’s helping me is this:
Firstly, I now see it as just one of many possible imperfections. He will grow up. He might develop acne, scars, need braces, be short, skinny, or wear glasses. He will never be “perfect.” No one is! Just look around you—people come in all shapes and forms. Children with real disabilities are still enjoying their lives!
Secondly, if he ever feels insecure about it, look at how far medical development has come. Head reshaping surgeries (like those using bone cement) are now commonly performed in Korea. It’s a quick, safe procedure and not that expensive (just a few thousand pounds). I’m sure in a few years, it will become more widely available in other countries. So this isn’t the end—it can be fixed, if that’s ever what he chooses.
I’m putting some money aside each month for my son, and I will pay for the surgery if he ever wants it. But more importantly, I hope to teach him that the way we look doesn’t define who we are, and that we should learn to accept ourselves.
Honestly, my husband’s head is flat (though symmetrical), and I never noticed it until my son was diagnosed and I started obsessing. He doesn’t care about it—he didn’t even know!
On the other hand, my head is round, but my face is still quite asymmetrical. One ear is higher than the other, I have a crooked nose, one eye is slightly bigger, my mouth is uneven… I even wore braces in my thirties to fix my overbite.
And you know what? I never cared. I’ve always been considered attractive and was extremely successful with men.
Heads up, mamas! You’re amazing, and you did absolutely nothing wrong.