Teddi Mellencamp gives fans an update on four-month-old daughter Dove’s upcoming neurosurgery

Teddi Mellancamp is keeping her fans updated on daughter Dove’s rare Lambdoid Craniosynostosis condition.

The 39-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star spoke about the four-month-old’s upcoming surgery during Monday’s episode of her Teddi’s Tea Pod podcast.

She revealed that her baby girl’s neurosurgery is ‘booked for July 30th’. 

‘It’s two days in the NICU then it’s four to five days in the hospital and there’s just so many unknowns,’ continued the mother-of-three.

She also revealed that husband Edwin Arroyave was not able to attend the initial appointment with the neurosurgeon due to COVID-19 restrictions, but he did attend the follow-up appointment.

‘We both have our faith and we know that it’s gonna be okay, but it’s a struggle right now,’ the daughter of John Mellencamp explained. 

‘They’re saying her face is gonna be really swollen after the surgery and she’s not gonna know what happened. So it’s definitely one of those trying times, where you’re just one foot in front of the other.’  

Mellencamp Arroyave learned of her daughter’s condition – which is a rare skull problem that causes a baby to be born with, or develop, an abnormally shaped head – during a visit to her pediatrician.

While the doctor initially though the problem could be corrected with a DOC Band, they advised seeking a second opinion first. 

The doctor was like, ‘Yeah, we’re definitely leaning in the direction of needing the DOC Band. But before you go to those specialists, I want you to go to this neurosurgeon, just so he can have a look.’  

Teddi explained to followers earlier this month that her four-month-old has been diagnosed with 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.’ Teddi began her message. 

‘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.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star continued to say she’s grateful for an amazing team of doctors and surgeons who ‘caught this early’.

Teddi explained that they initially thought Dove had Torticollis, a condition where the neck muscles contract and cause the head to twist to the side.

‘Originally, like Cruz before her, we thought Dove had Torticollis and would likely need a doc band for re-shaping. 

‘Instead a CT scan showed Lambdoid Craniosynostosis (Lambdoid craniosynostosis is a very rare type of non-syndromic craniosynostosis and occurs when one of the lambdoid sutures at the back of the head fuses before birth). 

According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition can give a newborn’s head a ‘misshapen appearance’ and surgery is needed ‘to correct the shape of the head and allow for normal brain growth.’

Teddi continued, ‘The recovery is about a week in the hospital and a couple weeks at home with a very high success rate. So although we are filled with nerves as neurosurgery sounds scary, we have our faith that she will be ok. 

The mother-of-three asked for prayers as she ended her note, ‘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. Sending [love] to you all.’ 

After sharing the personal information, Teddi’s Bravo castmates including Lisa Rinna and Erika Jayne showed their support in the comments. 

Teddi welcomed Dove on February 25 and is also mom to daughter Slate, seven, and son Cruz, five, with husband Edwin Arroyave. Edwin also has daughter Isabella from a previous relationship.