When something doesn’t feel right during or after birth, it’s important not to ignore your gut feelings. You may be exhausted both physically and emotionally, but your motherly instincts could be trying to tell you something crucial. When it comes to your baby’s health, it’s not worth risking it. If you’re worried your little one may have been injured during birth, here are five questions to guide your next steps.
Was My Baby Injured During Birth or After?
Birth injuries aren’t always obvious, especially not right away. While some symptoms may appear within a few minutes of birth, others take days or months to present. For instance, seizures or breathing issues may be immediately noticeable.
However, factors like your child missing certain milestones or having issues feeding take time to show up. To help determine exactly what happened, keep track of everything. This gives doctors a better chance of piecing together a clearer picture of how the birth injury occurred, which is essential information if you go the route of a birth injury lawsuit.
What Has Been Left Out?
The hospital is an overwhelming place, and it’s easy to be confused by medical jargon, especially if you’re a first-time mom. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and if the answers aren’t clear, ask again. You’re also allowed to ask for everything in writing. If you can, bring someone with you, and keep your own record of everything that goes on. If you’re not sure you’re getting the full story from your doctor, get a second opinion. It’s well within your rights.
Is the Injury Temporary or Permanent?
Injuries like minor bruising heal on their own. More serious birth injuries, like nerve damage or oxygen deprivation, can lead to lifelong conditions like cerebral palsy. Make sure you have a clear idea of what this means for your child in the months and years ahead. If the doctor can’t give you definitive answers, they may not know yet, and that’s normal. Just be certain that you’re getting an honest answer.
Could It Have Been Prevented?
Knowing your baby’s injury could have been prevented is upsetting and frustrating. However, it’s important to know the truth. Sometimes, birth injuries are a result of complications outside of anyone’s control. Accidents happen, but in other cases, mistakes are made. For example, a delayed C-section or using tools incorrectly can cause birth injuries. Ask for a full, detailed explanation of what happened during delivery.
How Do I Support My Baby Right Now?
If you have a diagnosis, explore early intervention services like speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy in your area. You may also be eligible for financial support through public programs or charities, so investigate your options. If you think medical negligence may have been involved, speak to a lawyer who can inform you of the next steps. If you have a case, the compensation can help finance long-term care.
Endnote
If you’re reading this article, you’re already doing the right thing, which is asking questions. Since early intervention is key, it’s best to be proactive as soon as you have an inkling that your baby may have suffered a birth injury. No one knows your baby like you do, so trust your gut. If something feels off, be persistent: push for support, use the resources available to you, and trust that you’re doing the right thing for your little one.
Photo credit: Alexander Grey on Unsplash