A One of a Kind Helmet

So on May 1, we had our first consultation with the Orthotics Department at the Hospital for Sick Children. We were nervous, and not sure what would happen, but we knew that this appointment would be the deciding factor as to whether or not Ella would be 'helmeted' for the next 6 months of her life. They were the experts, not us, and we trusted their opinion. When the orthotist suggested the helmet, we decided to go for it. What were we going to say to Ella when she was 18, and wanted to shave her head? Sorry, kiddo! We didn't want to get you a helmet as a baby because it would have been hard on us, so enjoy your flat spot and the fact that your glasses are always crooked and you can't wear jaunty hats! Regardless, our orthotist was wonderful. Straightforward, to the point, and realistic. He made us feel so much better about the whole thing and he was absolutely wonderful with Ella. I had a quick cry, and then we were on our way to making the plaster cast of her head for her custom helmet.

First they draped her to protect her clothes and Steve's as well.

From there, they added a stockinette to her head to protect her hair. As you may notice, her cheeks seem to be too big for the hole.

Layers of plaster were then added to her head to ensure the helmet was custom fitted to her head shape. Her patience wore out at this point, and she cried and cried! My poor baby. She was a champ though and settled as soon as it was done. 

From there, we had 1.5 weeks helmet free and then we were back to Sick Kids for our helmet fitting. This time was filled with worry, doubt and fear. Would she be uncomfortable / sad in it? Would it hurt her? How would we deal with this responsibility and the looks / questions / stares of our family, friends, and general public? The time ticked closer and closer and all of a sudden it was Helmet Day!

We were warned this next appointment would likely be 2-2.5 hours. What do you do to keep a 6 month entertained for that time period? Especially when that time period is right in the middle of her afternoon nap.

Steve kept Ella entertained by teaching her to blow spit bubbles. Wonderful!

The orthotist came in and showed us the mold of her head, and the degree of flatness we were dealing with. This is Ella's current head shape. :(

However, the good news is that her head is 'moderate' and not severe! We are more likely to be closer to four months for correction, than six, which was our first consolation. Our goal is to be out of the helmet in five months for our family trip to Myrtle Beach.

So the appointment began and we started the initial fitting. This took an hour of measuring her eyebrow line, neck line, ear holes, and head centre. Because the helmet currently covered her eyes and ears, she was MAD!

This took about an hour. Then we were allowed to take a break for thirty minutes while he put the finishing touches on the helmet (smooth edges, attaching straps, sanding).

Again she screamed, but this time we managed to settle her down with her pacifier.

After 30 minutes of instructions (ugh so overwhelming!) We were allowed to leave. We tested the helmet in the car seat (safe!) and then took it off as instructed for our drive home. Tomorrow we begin the process of weaning her on the helmet. 30 min - 1 hour on, 20 min off, repeat. No helmet for naps or night sleeping. By day 2, start trying the helmet on naps and on day 4-7, start trying at night.

Phew. Busy day.