This post was last updated on February 20th, 2023 at 04:35 am
Becoming a parent is one of the most beautiful things that a person could ever experience. Nothing can give you more fulfillment than holding your baby in your arms. So when a baby is born, parents continuously alter their lifestyles to ensure their child has the best start in life.
Unfortunately, complications can occur during labor that can cause birth injuries. It can put the lives of the child and mother at stake. If a newborn baby suffers from an injury, it is crucial to provide medical treatment immediately to prevent any major disability. As a parent, you must be vigilant in seeking assistance from a doctor with relevant expertise and a proven track record.
This Blog Will Provide You With Four Essential Steps To Help You Care For A Baby Following A Birth Injury.
1. Know The Type Of Birth Injury
Newborn babies can experience different types of birth injuries that can affect different body parts and cause permanent disability. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the type of birth injury to take timely measures and prevent complications.
Cerebral palsy is one of the most common types of birth injuries. It affects a child’s brain and affects their ability to speak and control their muscles. Children with cerebral palsy can experience different health issues, such as seizures, respiratory disorders, hydrocephalus, urinary infections, and other complications. Seizures can occur due to sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain. Their severity varies among children, so it is best to consult your doctor before taking any specific measures.
Additionally, respiratory disorders can cause infant breathing problems, leading to pneumonia and asthma. Other birth injuries include fractures, facial paralysis, caput succedaneum, bruising, and subconjunctival hemorrhage. Identifying the type of birth injury as soon as possible is essential to start the treatment accordingly and prevent further complications.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
After identifying the type of birth injury, you must seek medical assistance from a professional with relevant expertise. Early intervention with an effective healthcare plan can help recover the child.
Discuss your child’s treatment options with your doctor after the diagnosis. In some cases, doctors also refer the case to specialists that can provide you with better insights about a treatment plan. Some common treatment options to consider include surgery, medication, physical therapy, speech therapy, and family support and education.
A Doctor Can Recommend Any Of These Treatment Options According To The Severity And Nature Of The Birth Injury:
• Medication is the first method that is recommended. Different medicines are used to treat seizures, muscle disorders, intellectual impairments, and bowel movements.
• Surgery is another option, depending on the condition of the child. It is recommended if your baby has muscle abnormalities that are causing extreme pain.
• Physical therapy improves muscle movement and control. It will help your child overcome walking, crawling, rolling, and difficulties. In some cases, wheelchairs, splints, and braces can help achieve better results.
• Speech therapy may be the right treatment choice if your child suffers from speech or language difficulties due to a birth injury. A speech therapist may use different devices and sign language to overcome language barriers.
Besides these treatments, family support and education can also benefit in improving your child’s condition.
Education teaches you how to remain calm during the treatment since raising a child with birth injuries can be challenging physically and emotionally. Parents must pay attention to their mental and physical health to play their part in their child’s treatment with a positive mindset. Positive coping mechanisms can help parents overcome this difficult time and achieve good treatment outcomes.
3. Know Birth Injury Causes
One of the primary causes of birth trauma among infants is the abnormal size of the head. It makes it tough for midwives and doctors to conduct a normal delivery.
Another birth trauma cause is the wrong use of equipment and tools. If a vacuum or forceps are not correctly used to pull out the child from the birth canal, then it can cause injury to the child.
After examining the child, the pediatrician can find out about the birth injuries cause and may recommend what to do. By taking timely and correct measures, you can protect your child before the injury gets worse.
4. Identify Birth Injury Symptoms
Taking Timely Action After Identifying Your Child’s Birth Injury Is Crucial. The First step Is To Know The Birth Injury Symptoms. Here Are Some Common Ones:
• Bruising or swelling on the scalp and head indicates a possible skull fracture.
• Abnormal shape or soft spot on the head indicating a skull deformity.
• Weak or absent muscle tone and reflexes indicate a nerve injury.
• Excessive crying, irritability, and difficulty feeding indicate possible brain damage.
• Breathing difficulties and a bluish tint to the skin indicate a lack of oxygen.
• Paralysis or loss of movement in limbs indicates a spinal cord injury.
• Abnormal limb positionings, such as arm or leg stiffness, indicate a nerve injury.
• Slow or no progress in physical and cognitive development indicates a developmental delay.
• Seizures or convulsions indicate a possible brain injury.
• Excessive bleeding or unusual skin and eyes yellowing indicates liver or spleen damage.
These symptoms should not be taken lightly. If you notice them, inform the doctor right away.
Conclusion
It is not easy to see your newborn child suffer from a birth injury. It can be a traumatic experience for any parent, so you must know what to do if your newborn child is injured. First, you must identify the type of birth injury, so you can start the treatment accordingly. Once the injury is diagnosed, continuously follow the treatment plan according to the doctor’s advice. The key points mentioned above will help you care for your child after a birth injury.
