Ideally, giving birth is an experience that is viewed as full of hope and promise. However, this life-changing event doesn’t always go as planned, particularly when the newborn baby experiences serious birth injuries caused by the negligence of attending healthcare professionals. 

In 2006 alone, at least 157,700 injuries to mothers and babies during childbirth were reported. Many of these injuries may have long-term health effects and can affect babies and their families for years. For example, at least 655 babies suffered a severe brain injury in 2015. 

This article discusses why it’s very important to have support after a birth injury.

What Are Birth Injuries?

In this article, birth injuries refer to physical injuries sustained by the mother or the baby during childbirth. Many injuries can cause long-term neurological damage to newborn babies. This means that special medical care may be required throughout the child’s life. These are some of the common types of birth injuries: 

• Cerebral palsy – Cerebral palsy a developmental disorder that makes a child disabled. It can happen when the child experiences a brain injury during the birth process. About 10,000 babies are born each year with cerebral palsy. There is no cure for this disease.
• Infant hematoma – Infant hematoma can occur when the doctor uses excessive force during the birthing process. Infant hematoma refers to the pooling of blood around the brain due to bleeding in the skull. Infant hematoma can cause seizures, swelling, and in extreme cases, permanent brain damage. 
• Erb’s palsy – Erb’s palsy refers to paralysis of the child’s arms, hands, shoulders, or limbs due to damage in their nerves. Erb’s palsy can happen when the doctor exerts excessive effort in pulling the baby’s head during a difficult delivery. 
• Newborn jaundice – Newborn jaundice a condition where the baby’s skin becomes yellowish. This can happen when the baby’s body accumulates bilirubin, a yellowish pigment produced when the body replaces blood cells. Excessive amounts of bilirubin can lead to permanent brain damage. The attending doctor who fails to diagnose jaundice can be liable for medical malpractice. 
• Spinal cord injuries – Injuries to the spinal cord can reduce your child’s sense of touch and ability to move. Spinal cord injuries can happen when the doctor pulls the spine of the baby too hard during the birth process. 

Physical Impairments And Learning Disabilities

Persons with birth injuries need specialized support, different treatment options, and healing methods. Here’s why it’s important to be supported after a brain injury: 

Most birth injuries can lead to physical impairments and learning disabilities. This means that children with these types of injuries may have a difficult time taking care of themselves. A number of them may not be able to live independent lives. They will probably need specialized care as well as technology to help them learn, move, grow, and use their full potentials. 

Moreover, a family member or caregiver should be present to assist them throughout the process. These support providers should be equipped with the proper knowledge and skills to help them deal with children diagnosed with birth injuries. If you work as a caregiver for a person with birth injuries, you may need to refer to a caregiver guide to help you deal properly with each situation. According to the owner of Birth Injury Malpractice, Birth injuries can have a serious impact on a person’s physical abilities and cognitive development. It is crucial for them to receive the necessary support and care in order to live their best life.

Emotional And Psychological Problems

Many persons with birth injuries experience emotional and psychological challenges. Due to their physical limitations, they can lose self-esteem and may isolate themselves from others. They may experience mood swings, depression, anxiety, and stress. Because of their condition, they may tend to focus on what they can’t do rather than on what they can do. 

Therefore, it’s important that they have support for them to cope with these issues in their lives. There are emotional and psychological care programs that can help family members and caregivers interact with individuals with birth injuries. These innovative programs are intended to ensure that caregivers know how to support are address emotional and psychological needs. 

Costly Treatment And Intervention Procedures

The families of those with birth injuries who shoulder the costs of the medical and hospital bills, treatments and other healing procedures will experience much financial stress over the years. This is why it’s important to be supported through the recovery of monetary compensation from the party at fault. 

Since injuries were sustained after childbirth, the family of the victim is entitled to sue for birth injuries on the basis of medical negligence by the attending healthcare professionals. However, since it’s a legal option, a birth injury lawyer should be hired to help and obtain compensation to pay for the health and medical needs of the victim. 

Conclusion

It is clear that birth injuries caused by negligence can significantly affect the lives of the victims and their families. These injuries affect the physical, emotional, and psychological states of all concerned. Thus, adequate care and support are needed to ensure their well-being. If you believe someone’s baby is a victim of medical malpractice, keep these points in mind so you’ll know what to do next.