London - 12 December 2005
Norman Waterhouse, a leading London-based consultant plastic surgeon
and Craniofacial Surgeon at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital,
today addressed plagiocephaly, or flattened-skull syndrome in
babies, which is on the rise in the UK. He revealed a simple,
affordable, and ‘DIY’ solution for parents, recommending
the use of pillows designed to provide special support in the
first year of life.
Worldwide studies of Cot Death in the last decade have demonstrated
that babies are safer sleeping on their backs. While this continues
to be the case, it has resulted in an increased number of babies
with flattened skulls. It is estimated that almost half of all
children under one year suffer some degree of positional plagiocephaly,
which can give a misshapen look – even causing the ears
or eyes to become misaligned.
The NHS and health insurance companies consider it to be a ‘cosmetic’
issue, and therefore do not offer corrective treatments. In the
more severe cases, remedy involves the constant wearing of a plastic
helmet, which moulds the head back into a normal shape, and can
cost over £2,000.
According to Norman Waterhouse,
former President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic
Surgeons, and Specialist Tutor in Aesthetic Surgery at the Royal
College of Surgeons;
"I see many babies in my practice with some degree of flattened
skulls. With early recognition, this problem could be reduced
by simple measures –such as special pillows designed to
support infants’ heads in the first six months of life.
This would reduce the need for more complex treatments such as
moulding helmets.”
Specially created pillows, such as the Swedish Goi-Goi range
(www.goigoibabypillows.co.uk),
were developed to prevent babies head from flattening by providing
the appropriate head and neck support to very young infants and
children. They have been widely and effectively used (especially
in maternity wards) in Sweden since their introduction in the
year 2000 – when the Department of Health recommended all
babies use them to prevent plagiocephaly. Baby pillows are now
used as standard practise throughout the country, which has the
third lowest rate of cot death in the world, (nearly half that
of the UK) and are recommended by Paediatricians, Health Visitors
and Midwives.
The Goi Goi range was introduced to the UK by Anna Akerlund,
whose daughter Joella’s plagiocephaly was corrected by the
use of the Swedish pillows.
According to Anna Akerlund;
"After seeing the difference the baby pillow made to Joella’s
head, I did some research and found quite a bit of information
about flat and distorted heads and the Swedish approach to preventing
it by using the baby pillow. I saw this as an opportunity to introduce
them to the UK to help other little ones with the same problem.”
According to Norman Waterhouse;
“There is not enough education on this subject. Many
parents are told to ignore the problem, and that it will go away
on its own. This is not always the case. I believe that better
understanding of the condition will help Paediaticians and General
Practitioners to advise parents appropriately and offer simple
strategies for prevention and improvement.”
The pillows are available in both crib and cot size, and are
made in 100% polyester fibre with anti-allergens, with a 100%
cotton cover. They retail for less than £15 and can be ordered
online via their secure Web site: www.goigoibabypillows.co.uk
NORMAN WATERHOUSE HAS NO FINANCIAL INTEREST
IN ANY COMPANY OR PRODUCT RELATING TO THIS ISSUE
ENDS
Norman Waterhouse, FRCS (Plast), is Head
of the Craniofacial Unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
He lectures nationally and internationally and teaches techniques
of modern cosmetic surgery. His private practice is based at 55
Harley Street, London.
For more information, please contact Adriana Prado at sbustin@wavelengthgroup.com
or call 020 7549 2863
