Hayes's Noggin – Part 2 {doc band results}

Back in February, we visited Cranial Technologies for the first time in Charlotte. We had been referred there by our pediatrician to look into correcting Hayes’s head shape. For the most part this was a completely cosmetic issue, but because Hayes is a boy, we thought he’d appreciate us doing everything we could to help him with this.

These are some pictures that I took of his profile around Christmas time

Hayes loved to sit up and try to crawl. When he was awake he was never flat on his back. But when he slept, he slept directly on the back of his head. He never moved and rarely turned his head. It wasn’t until after he got the doc band that he started sleeping on his stomach.

Our visits to Cranial Technologies were very pleasant and I’m so thankful that we went ahead with the process. About a week after we decided to go forward with getting the doc band, Todd’s firm was bought by a much larger firm, and we switched insurance providers. Our previous insurance provider denied coverage for the doc band. And the new provider accepted it. We didn’t pay a dime.

We didn’t know this when we decided to go forward with the doc band for Hayes, but we did take a big leap of faith. We are so happy that it was covered. But we are even happier that we did this for Hayes. The results are just remarkable.

I’ve said before that we only a couple of instances with children staring or talking about him, which were, of course, more hurtful to me than to Hayes. And the only “issue” Hayes had was that he’d get hot occasionally and get some minor heat rash.

We went for our “graduation” appointment the other day and Hayes had the same pictures taken that he had at his very first consultation. He got a little certificate and we got to bring home his doc band (never to wear it again) and the actual size mold of Hayes’s head from the beginning of the process.

I shared this whole process because I want other mothers who have to make this decision to know that someone else has gone through it. I was so very thankful for the friends and readers who shared their experiences with me. I also wanted to help “educate” anyone who wasn’t familiar with this process and treatment.

So the before and after pictures. We are so excited about the results and Hayes will never know the difference. The “before” photos were taken in February, about two months after the pictures I posted above. I can tell that once he started crawling, his head started rounding out more just on its own.

And the “after” pictures were taken two weeks ago. I think the changes are just remarkable!

Bless his little heart. The look on his face in both of these pictures just makes me laugh. But here I can see how his facial symmetry corrected, especially in his cheeks and ears.

In this picture, you can see how his head grew longer from front to back where it had been wider and more round before.

And in this angle, his face is less wide and grew “back,” bringing his cheeks into a more symmetrical place.

So, those are the results. We’re really pleased with them. It took a bit of courage for me to post these and I pray that any comments will be kind toward my baby boy.

I am happy to answer any questions about the process! We’re just thankful for a good experience and glad that the last four months went by so quickly.

 

 

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Comments

  1. says

    What an amazing change!! I mean, he was simply gorgeous before but now he’s a total heart-breaker – flawless, if you will!

    I have to say – the pictures that the clinic took crack me up! It’s so strange to see a baby in such a clinical setting with such a smile on his face. I love it!

    He’s a lucky little boy!

  2. Heather says

    I’m so glad it worked out! It looks like it really did work. I’m so glad. He is so darling.

  3. Paige says

    I can really see a bit of Hudson in Hayes’s profile! What a sweet little boy. I’m sure he’ll be so nice and cool the rest of the summer without the doc band!

  4. Monica says

    I know this post was to show the changes from the band, the only thing I noticed was how much hair he has now! He is one beautiful baby boy!

  5. says

    First off, he looks so much older and much more like Hudson in the second set of pictures! What a big difference the doc band made. So wonderful for Hayes and your family! He’s adorable!

  6. Corinn says

    Gosh, Erin, he is SO cute. I just adore these pictures of his sweet face. {oh, and his little noggin looks amazing, too!}

  7. Megan says

    He is so precious! I really admire you as a blogger ,and as a mom for documenting this with Hayes. I was not aware of this issue with infants, and this will really bring awareness and also make other mom’s more comfortable with this issue. You’re right, it is cosmetic, but as parents we want our children to have every advantage we can possibly give them.

  8. says

    He looks terrific, Erin!! My son had plagiocephaly and we treated it with a helmet. It is remarkable how quickly it works and what a difference it makes! Hayes was darling before his doc band and is darling now. Congratulations!

  9. Jessica says

    Erin, Hayes’ results are AMAZING! He was always adorable, but he looks just perfect now:) So thrilled that you guys made this decision for him and are so happy with the results. I’m sure Hayes will appreciate it one day too! Thanks for sharing.

  10. says

    That’s a HUGE difference and he looks great!

    I’ve said this to you before, but I think you made the right decision. I know it was only a cosmetic thing, but kids can be so mean sometimes, so if you can take care of something like that and prevent possible teasing (assuming you can afford it if insurance doesn’t cover it) why not do it?

    It’s also cool to see how much older he looks now compared to February when those first pictures were taken!

  11. says

    Wow – if anyone has any doubts as to whether they should go forward with this, all they need to do is see these pics. I remember it was a tough decision for you, but I’m so happy for you all that it’s turned out with a happy, happy ending!

  12. says

    I am so glad that this process was a success for you and Hayes. I know that your new insurance covering the process was a huge blessing as well. Isn’t it amazing how sometimes God asks us to step out on a leap of faith and then He ALWAYS comes through. Hayes is a doll!

  13. Valerie says

    Wow, those results are amazing! Thanks for sharing for all the Moms out there who might need encouragement to take this same step for their child.

  14. says

    I can’t imagine anyone saying anything but nice things about that cutie, but some people are idiots. I sometimes think we should’ve done a doc band with my son’s head (he was a preemie so he had some flattening in the back), but our pediatrician never really pushed it. Thankfully, his hair is so stinkin’ thick that you can’t tell that he has a flat spot in back, and it didn’t have an effect on his overall face shape (that we know of). I’m really impressed with Hayes’s progress. Although I have to tell you, he was super adorable either way.

  15. Tara says

    Erin- Hayes is adorable before and after! I can’t imagine anyone being negative about your sweet little guy! What you have done for him is amazing!

  16. Candace says

    How old was Hayes when you decided to go forward with everything? Our dr wants us to do exercises and then physical therapy if needed. He’s only two months now so we are still learning about everything and our options. I had no idea that it made the face and ears asymmetrical until we just went for the check up. It’s great to see all of the great things it did for Hayes.

    • Courtney says

      My son had one side of the back of his head flattened from sleeping with his head turned to one side. At his 1 year appt i asked the doc about it and he said he will still grow out of it. 2 months seems very young to develop such a misshape to consider treating it.

    • says

      Candace- We found out at 2 months that our little boy had torticollis- one side of his neck was much stronger than the other, therefore when he laid down, his head always fell to one side causing one side of his head to be significantly flatter than the other. We immediately started physical therapy & exercises & by 6 months it had totally corrected itself. We were fully prepared to move forward with the Doc Band at 6 months, but everything had resolved.

  17. ShaunaLeigh says

    Looks amazing! So glad you went for it. I have a niece that really should have had this done but the parents weren’t sure it was worth it. I will be sending them a link ASAP!

  18. says

    Aw, Erin! What a beautiful baby boy you have!!!! Before AND after!!! I pray this encourages other mom’s who are/have gone through a similar experience. You are an advocate for doc bands now šŸ™‚ xoxo

  19. Ashley Erikson says

    Hi Erin- I have been reading your blog for quite a while, but was recently drawn to your post about the helmet. I have a 7 month little boy who will be getting one of these on monday. I too was quite apprehensive about the whole thing and honestly I still am a little bit! It was a tough decision, but one that I think will be totally worth it in the end. I so much appreciate your pics and feelings on it as it makes me feel less alone in this process. His results are absolutely amazing and is such a adorable little guy!

  20. Kay says

    I’m so glad you posted these pictures. My husband and I talked about doing the band for our little boy back 7 years ago. I was so afraid of what other people would say that we didn’t do it. Seeing your results makes me wish we had. You post will help other moms who are looking for guidance. Thanks!

  21. LauraJane says

    He looks so great! You must be really pleased! That first set of “head on” shots with the goofy smile on his face made me laugh- soooooo cute! šŸ™‚

  22. says

    i am so grateful that you posted this my dr mentioned considering the doc band for our baby and to be honest, i cried. Reading your posts has really helped me realize it’s not the end of the world. Still making the decision here, but just wanted to thank you for your openness about this.

  23. Ashlee says

    I’ve never commented before but I just had to this time. Your post and pictures brought tears to my eyes! I have two little girls about the same age as your boys. I know there is a fine line when it comes to cosmetic procedures on children. But there is a piece of most moms that just wants to give her child a fair shot. The world can be cruel to things that are different. I bet Hayes will be happy you did this for him while he wasn’t able to do it for himself. You are so brave to share his story and pictures (he is precious by the way). I’m sure there will be moms out there who will be ministered by you through this.

  24. says

    He is precious in all of the pictures! I’m amazed at that transformation over a relatively short time. I know your story has encouraged so many moms.

  25. Courtney says

    he is such a doll. glad you got that all over with now, either way – he is just a darling-looking little child.

  26. says

    He is just the cutest little man!! I am so proud of you guys for sharing your experience and for putting your child first….such amazing parents! You have such a special voice for motherhood so thank you for always being brave and real.

    XOXO

  27. says

    Such a difference in such a short period of time! He was beautiful all along but now he’s just perfect. Thank you for sharing the whole thing with everyone- I know how scary it can be.

  28. September says

    That is absolutely amazing, Erin! Kudos to you and your husband for going through with this. It may seem like a small thing now but may really be something he appreciates later in life.

    For what it’s worth, my dad and brother had ears that stuck way out, and we decided when we had kids that if any of them had it they were getting pinned as early as humanly possible. Totally cosmetic and not *really* important, but any little thing we can do to make our babies happier later in life is worth it.

    Thanks for sharing!

  29. says

    Hayes looks great!! Thanks for posting these pictures…I think it will help future moms in your same position make a tough short term decision for their kids. If I found myself in that position, it would certainly help me make my decision! šŸ™‚

  30. Rae Bush says

    He’s such a cutie pie! Thanks for sharing this. I work for Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC and it was so good to see someone share such a great and positive story. You helped someone today!

  31. says

    Oh my goodness! I can’t take the cuteness! Hayes is SO ADORABLE!! I have always thought him perfect but I can see the difference that the Doc Band made for sure! Thank God everything went smoothly!! I am reading all of the previous comments before this post and I can see God is using you and Hayes in such a mighty and powerful way! It is awesome to see how God can use every situation (though they may be scary at first) to help and encourage others! God bless you:)

  32. CampDallas says

    What a little honey! And such remarkable progress! I am so glad your family had such a positive experience – such a blessing!!

  33. says

    Seriously Erin, the change is AMAZING!! And I didn’t know about the insurance change. What a mighty God we serve with that coming through!! Wow! I know what a relief that was! He looks amazing. I am in awe that he sat still for these pictures. AND, totally off the point, but his little upturned nose is my favorite!! I always wanted a nose that did that!

  34. says

    This is incredible. I cannot believe it! I’m so glad that you were able to do this for him and not pay out of pocket!

    The before and after pictures are just amazing!

  35. Courtney H. says

    YAY for Hayes! He was perfect before, but even better now!

    And that makes me tear up that you had to even state please be kind to your baby boy. Why do people post mean stuff? Just don’t read the blog, if you can’t stop yourself from commenting and being nice! You can have a difference of opinions, without being rude, you know what I mean?

    Erin, so glad Hayes had such exceptional results! Thanks for giving the before and after pics, b/c I’ve always wondered how much the Doc bands actually work. It’s clearly visible in these pics. Hope you and your family have a Happy Fourth of July!

  36. Becky says

    I find it so heartbreaking that you actually have to ask commenters to be kind to a sweet baby! He is precious and I’m sure he’ll thank you for this one day. So glad the time went by quickly for you and that it was covered by the insurance.

  37. Blair says

    He looks great! My baby boy had the exact same problem. He is now 14! He wore the doc band when he was a baby and his head has looked great ever since. Good job!

  38. Lw says

    Beautiful baby before and after! Seriously, a doll. Amazing results. He’s a lucky little boy to have such loving parents…

  39. says

    I can’t believe the difference, it is amazing! I’m so happy that this worked so well for Hayes. I also can’t believe how much more hair he has! He will thank you one day for doing this, and he’s very lucky to have such loving parents.

  40. Diane says

    Erin, this is amazing! I can totally tell the changes. Hayes looks awesome! I know the doc bands are used for a lot of different cranial issues, but I’m suprised about his facial symmetry. His sweet round cheeks look so good! I know you did it anyway but what a blessing that Todd’s new insurance covered it.

    And I agree with Becky – I would HOPE that no one would be mean period, but especially to your darling baby boy.

  41. anonymous says

    thank you so much for sharing these erin. what an incredible difference it made. hayes is beyond precious. so inredibly cute. you can see his little spirit in his eyes and smile.

  42. says

    I completely missed this post until today and am so happy to see these pictures of sweet little Hayes! His expressions kill me, SO SWEET! He was a handsome peanut before and he is a handsome peanut still today. I know he’ll love that you have these pictures to document the big change. He’s a lucky little man šŸ™‚

  43. Beverly says

    I am just now catching up on your blog. What amazing results! He is going to be so thankful you gave him this gift! I hope you and your cute crew are doing great!

  44. says

    Thank you for posting. My son is having an eval in a few weeks. After seeing these photos I’m positive he will be getting one and I’m glad. The difference is amazing! I dread it but I know it’s for the best.

  45. Melissa says

    Thank you SO much for writing this! We just took our almost 7 month old son in today for his DOC consultation. I’m really torn. One hand I’m “ok” with it, the other I’m not. We don’t know yet if our insurance covers it, that might be the deciding factor. It doesn’t seem as medically needed as is it more cosmetic. But he IS a boy and not likely to have much hair. =) Thank you again for the blog about it, I’ll for sure read more and watch his progress.

  46. Kelly says

    I just wanted to thank your for sharing your story. My husband and I are currently trying to decide if we should proceed with the band for our 4..5 month old son. Its really encouraging to hear from other people who have been in our shoes and already been through this experience. It’s such a scary prospect but I think we are going to go for it – thanks again this was really helpful!

  47. Kelly says

    Thanks for sharing your story, Erin! My son is 6 months old and he’s been in his Doc Band for 2 weeks. He has had so much redness that we have had to stick with modified wear (no bedtime wear), but at our first two appointments, we have felt so encouraged because the clinician was so impressed with the amount of change even with modified wear. Thank you for sharing your son’s photos. It is a huge help to parents both considering this treatment, as well as those already on the Doc Band journey. We, like most of your other commenters, were reluctant to get the band, but our experience so far had been so positive! Our son barely notices the helmet is there. In fact, as he’s learning to crawl, it had proved to be a great safety tool, as well! I hope that now that your journey has been done for a couple years, you are still happy with the results.

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