Adding a Shaping Helmet into the mix of Mamahood

We found out about a month ago that our little man might need a shaping helmet. There was no way that we could have ever imagined we would be the parents who needed a helmet for our child.

After trying repositioning for months, and tummy time as much as we could, the doctor told us that getting him a helmet was the best choice.

We knew the facts:

• He didn’t need the helmet for developmental reasons
• He didn’t need the helmet because we were not good parents
• He needed the helmet because he has been such a fantastic sleeper since he was a month old
• He would have a lovely little shaped head after wearing the helmet
• It wouldn’t bother him as much as it would bother us

Even after knowing the facts, it was difficult to mentally prepare ourselves for something that so many people stare at. We knew we were making the best decision for our little man, even the doctor reassured us that we wouldn’t regret getting him this helmet.

We are currently in the first week of him wearing the helmet. He has been a little rockstar, not caring really at all. I think it’s been the most difficult when it comes to nursing him. Usually the moments he snuggles are during feedings and instead of his warm little head, I have this plastic helmet digging into my arm. I know without a doubt that we made the right decision and that in a few months when he gets the helmet off for good we will be so happy we went through this.

This weekend we on our first few outings-to Sams Club and to church. I can’t tell you the amount of people who STARED. We had many people question why he might need a helmet, asking “what’s wrong?”…nothing! I wanted to print a T-shirt that says “our baby has been a fantastic sleeper since birth, we did nothing wrong and this helmet is only to give him a great shaped head!”.

My one suggestion for everyone out there who comes across a mama or daddy and baby with a helmet is to just smile, or say the baby looks sweet. As I am now in the shoes of the parent with a helmet on their child I have realized that what people say doesn’t matter on one and on the other it matters so much. Hearing people talk about your child negatively impacts you as a parent, impacts your day and your mood, yet hearing positive comments and encouragement-well that just makes a world of difference.

To all the people raising a little one with a helmet I encourage you to let your network of people know that you need support through this time. If I’ve learned anything it’s that the baby doesn’t care what they look like at all, but the parents well they notice the stares and comments under breath that are passed around.

I am thankful in all this to have a support system. Go find yours!