Why Teddi Mellencamp's Daughter Needs Surgery

Teddi Mellencamp has made a heartbreaking announcement about her daughter, Dove. In an Instagram post, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star revealed that her daughter, who was born in February, needs to undergo surgery at the end of the month for a condition called lambdoid craniosynostosis.

"Dealing with anxiety, especially when in the 'public eye,' isn't easy; and going into July it's at an all-time high," wrote Mellencamp. "I was torn as to whether I should share this information, but as someone who tries to be as transparent as possible, and knowing I have a platform to reach others in similar situations, I would like to update you all. Our sweet baby Dove was diagnosed with lambdoid craniosynostosis and has to undergo neurosurgery at the end of the month. We are so grateful to have an amazing team of doctors and surgeons who have caught this early and will be working on her."

Mellencamp explained that baby Dove's condition is a rare one. Per the Mayo Clinic, craniosynostosis is a condition "in which one or more of the fibrous joints between the bones of [a] baby's skull (cranial sutures) close prematurely (fuse)." The type of craniosynostosis Dove has affects the lambdoid suture, "which runs along the back of the bead" and "may cause one side of [a] baby's head to appear flat, one ear to be higher than the other ear and tilting of the top of the head to one side."

While the condition is scary, Mellencamp wrote that the success rate for the surgery is "very high." Recovery will last "about a week in the hospital and a couple weeks at home." 

She concluded, "So although we are filled with nerves as neurosurgery sounds scary, we have our faith that she will be ok. Please keep baby Dove in your prayers and if you have had a child with this same surgery, please let me know below, as I would love any additional insight and support."