Finding a Professional in Prosthetics for Your Baby's Needs

Most people probably think that prosthetics are for those who have lost limbs. This is the case, but it is not the exclusive reason for using this type of professional. If your child went through a great deal after birth and has been laying on his or her back the majority of the time, then your baby may have a flat head.

When this happens, it is not life-threatening, but it is disfiguring. If your child has this problem, you will want to find the right help. Prosthetic professionals use helmets to correct the skulls of babies who have laid in one direction too long. This issue is easily corrected with the use of a helmet that can be adjusted over time to leave room for the skull to grow in one area. It is a precise yet flexible procedure that should be covered by insurance if there is medical necessity.

The medical necessity that would allow for insurance coverage is the possible need for a well-fitted helmet to avoid head injuries due to seizures in the future. Finding a professional that is trustworthy is important in your child's situation. Your doctor might refer you to a specific professional, but it is important that you believe the professional is a good fit for the needs of your child. A professional in prosthetics is not a doctor and probably has limited knowledge of your child's medical condition. He or she may not understand his or her limitations, so it is important that after you explain them that the professional is understanding and works well with your situation.

Once your child is fitted for a helmet with the prosthetic professional, you will visit him or her periodically over a few months. Over that time, the professional will make adjustments to help with the comfort of the helmet and to enable balanced growth of the skull in the area that needs growth. Some children may have a difficult time wearing a helmet. Children with sensory issues may especially suffer with this. It is up to you as the parents to decide when your child has had enough and needs a break from the helmet. You will be given a wearing schedule, but ultimately it needs to be child-specific. If your baby has a flat head and you believe it would be helpful to have it repaired, talk to your doctor. Do not wait too long as the plates will close up over time, but within the first year you should be okay. Finding a right professional in prosthetics will enable your child to have the round head he or she was meant to have.

Finding a Professional in Prosthetics for Your Baby's Needs