**Caerphilly Mum Embarks on Fundraising Mission to Guarantee Baby a Healthier Future**
A mother from Caerphilly has launched an urgent campaign to gather substantial funds after noticing her newborn son developing a condition that, if left untreated, could cause a lifetime of complications. Beth Smith, aged 29, identified warning signs shortly after the birth of her son, Macsen, as the back of his head began to flatten. With each passing week, the flatness intensified despite her best attempts to counteract it.
Beth explained that she implemented several strategies recommended to parents to avoid this so-called “flat head” – including using a special baby pillow, varying Macsen’s head position, and encouraging additional “tummy time.” However, despite her efforts, the condition only worsened. “I tried many different things to try and prevent the flattening from worsening,” she remarked. Beth is no stranger to the condition — her older son, Owen, now four, experienced similar symptoms as an infant.
Medical professionals diagnosed Macsen with plagiocephaly and brachycephaly. These are conditions where either the side or back of an infant’s skull becomes flattened, and while relatively common, moderate to severe presentations may result in permanent physical outcomes such as facial asymmetry and persistent skull deformities.
Beth’s experience with her first child had already familiarised her with the treatment process – and the challenges associated with it. She discovered that NHS provision for corrective helmets is limited, forcing families to seek private solutions. As a result, Beth wasted no time and organised an appointment for a helmet fitting for Macsen, whose condition was classified as severe.
Specially moulded helmets help gradually reshape a baby’s skull by applying gentle pressure to the prominent regions. Macsen’s scan showed substantial flattening to the back and side of his head, necessitating immediate intervention. Yet, obtaining this helmet came at a significant personal cost: Beth’s partner, Chris, parted with his work tools, and contributions from family members were needed to meet the £2,350 bill for the device.
Macsen, now seven months old, must wear the helmet for twenty-three hours each day. Beth says Macsen seems unbothered by the device, often treating its removal and replacement as a playful activity. However, she faces a race against time, as the helmet’s fit cannot be adjusted further as Macsen continues to grow. Should he experience another growth spurt, the helmet will become unusable – halting treatment while his head remains severely misshapen.
If Macsen does not receive an additional, larger helmet, he risks enduring lasting issues in the future. These range from cosmetic concerns, which may make everyday activities—such as wearing glasses or hats—awkward, to more significant risks involving hearing, jaw alignment, and vision. In severe instances, corrective surgery may be required during childhood or adolescence.
Beyond medical considerations, Beth worries about the social impact her son may face due to his head shape. She is concerned that Macsen could endure bullying or a lack of self-confidence, with knock-on effects for both his physical health and emotional wellbeing. “All of this needs to be prevented with the helmet,” she insists.
To secure the funds needed for a second helmet, Beth has established a GoFundMe campaign to raise another £2,350. She has pledged that any extra donations will be used to assist other families facing the same predicament. She is keen to address misconceptions, noting, “This condition is caused by genetics, it isn’t caused by the laziness of parents.” She hopes her campaign will not only assist her son but also raise broader awareness about the realities families with flat head syndrome face.
Beth invites open dialogue from those with questions, expressing gratitude towards those willing to learn rather than judge her family’s situation. She emphasises the importance of understanding and community support during challenging times, hoping that increased awareness will lead to greater compassion for families grappling with similar challenges.