So, uh, why does your son wear that thing?

This is the question that I have been dreading for several months now. Nearly six months ago, Braxton was diagnosed with torticollis. Simply put, torticollis is a condition where the muscles on one side of the neck are tighter and weaker than the muscles on the other side. This is a very basic explanation of it. In Braxton's case, this weakness was caused by being head down for most of my pregnancy. Braxton holds his head at a tilt because of this weakness, which in turn has caused a flat spot to develop on the back of his head. This is known as plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome).

For the past six months, we have been diligently implementing repositional therapy- not letting him spend any time on the back of his head. Even when sleeping. It has been quite the challenge, but he has learned how to sleep on his left side. Despite our efforts, Braxton's head is still flat although it has improved considerably.

These two conditions have had a significant impact on Braxton's gross motor skills. Three months ago, Braxton started going to physical therapy to eliminate his torticollis. The physical therapist we see, Emily, is wonderful! She gives us stretches and exercises that I do everyday with Braxton. These exercises help to improve Braxton's range of motion in his neck and to hopefully improve his mobility. At almost eight months, Braxton does not roll or crawl. Some moms would consider it a blessing to have a baby that will just sit and play in the same spot all day, but I don't see it that way. Torticollis can impair a baby's sense of balance and coordination, resulting in delayed mobility. Every increase in mobility we see in Braxton is a huge sigh of relief for us.

In addition to physical therapy, Braxton now wears a helmet to help with the plagiocephaly. Quite honestly, the helmet looks quite uncomfortable. Braxton is adjusting to it nicely though. We haven't had any problems with it at all. It does look terribly uncomfortable; however, the orthotist told us that it is kind of like wearing a hat. It's not uncomfortable, just takes some getting used to. Anyway, here he is.

The helmet looks worse than it actually is. It doesn't bother him at all. We are still in the "break in" period, but by the end of the week he will be wearing it 23 hours a day. For the next 2-4 months. Hopefully two, but I'm preparing to wait the whole four. :)

The decision to get a helmet was quite difficult to make. Obviously, Braxton will never remember this (who knows, we might not tell him at all). It will be a lot harder on me and Kyle than it will be for Braxton. The biggest factors for us in deciding whether or not to get a helmet were $$ and people's reactions.

Thankfully, our insurance has agreed to cover Braxton's helmet because we had recommendations from his pediatrician and his physical therapist AND the orthotist. If it weren't for the insurance company, there is no way we could afford this. It definitely is a little miracle that we were able to get it for him. As for people's reactions, this will definitely take some getting used to. We get lots of stares and strange looks. It is sad that people see Braxton in his helmet and think he is a little "special kid" with a helmet because his parents are afraid he is going to hurt himself. Or something ridiculous like that. Yes, the helmet is rather unsightly, but it breaks my heart to see how quick people are to judge. We have prayed for several months for help for Braxton, and we are so grateful that our prayers have been answered.

Anyway, that is the explanation for the helmet. I will admit that I am dreading church on Sunday when we will likely get lots of stares and funny looks. I'm sure it won't be that bad, but I still worry. We will be taking Braxton back to the the orthotist every three weeks to have him remeasured so I will be sure to post updates on his condition.